Can you give me your opinion on why there is such a discrepancy between Alameda High School and Encinal High School at least in terms of how US New & Report does their high school rankings?

Thanks so much for asking, especially as equity across our entire district is being closely examined. The state report really only bases its scores on state testing and the availability of AP courses. AHS is a much larger high school and so has the ability to offer more courses overall, including more AP classes. Additionally, EHS has a higher percentage of lower socio-economic students who have not had equitable educational experiences overall, as there is disparity between all west end schools and those east of Grand Street. This impacts PTA support, lack of enrichment opportunities and foreign language classes, field trip availability and more. That said, there is a strong culture of pride among the students, families and staff at EHS that is reflective of the broader diversity among the families.  

As a parent of two students who have all attended west end public schools, and who are both currently at EHS, regardless of the state reports, I am very proud of and happy with the educational experiences afforded to my kids. But reducing the disparities and looking for ways to offer equitable access to students across the island, by potentially offering dual enrollment in schools so that students can have the opportunity to expand their course classes, is something that I'm actively discussing with Superintendent Scuderi.

I am the only school board candidate who has two kids who have attended west end public schools elementary through high school, and I am only one of two candidates who live in the west end. I feel strongly that west end representation is important to have on the board, especially as there has not been that perspective in over 10 years.