Allyson Muñiz Damikolas, Tustin Unified School District Trustee Area 1 Candidate, 2024 Election Questionnaire – Orange County Register

Ahead of November’s general election, Southern California News Group has compiled a list of questions to ask candidates who want to represent you. The full survey can be found below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some cases, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidates’ responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Allyson Muñiz Damikolas

Current job title: Tustin United Trustee

Political party affiliation: Nonpartisan

Beneficiary: Yes

Other political positions held: Not applicable

City where you live: Tustin

Campaign website or social media: www.allysonfortustin.com

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for greater restrictions on smartphones in schools, citing research showing the harmful effects of social media. How do you think schools limit smartphone use? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

At Tustin Unified, we know that preparing students for 21st century technology and protecting mental health and productivity in the face of social media are two sides of the same coin. That’s why at TUSD we’ve built our own network and block social media and non-academic apps on school devices while integrating cutting-edge tools that prepare our students to enter our rapidly evolving world. This reflects the voices of our district: in 2012, we passed Measure S, which allows us to be at the intersection of K-12 education and technology.

We also emphasize clear communication with parents, describing how families can help maintain a healthy environment for students using devices. We teach our children that smartphones are more than just devices that students can use to access social media – they can quickly look up facts, act as a calculator, and provide students with informational videos that help them understand concepts. We do not protect our students from technology; instead, we make sure our students and families know how to use their devices in healthy ways to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.

How can your district better leverage AI technology for learning while protecting children from another tool that could be used for bullying? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

I’m proud of Tustin Unified’s data-driven approach to AI: According to a recent survey of liability employers by McKinsey and Company, our future workforce will depend on people who can understand and effectively use AI and other emerging technologies. That’s why at TUSD we don’t shy away from giving our students the instruction they will need to succeed. At the same time, we are focused on teaching our students digital citizenship – the ethical and responsible use of technology and online interactions. Our program includes “Artificial Intelligence Days” lessons held both in the fall and spring, in addition to media lessons, during which we model positive interaction with technology and set clear expectations for student behavior, while giving them cutting-edge tools to enter the world of our 21st economy century. We understand that it is our responsibility to equip students in all aspects of their lives, including both the resources to compete after graduation and the rules of conduct that guide every in-person and online interaction.

What are your school district’s two most important needs and how are you prepared to meet them? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

During my tenure on the TUSD board, we have faced difficult challenges, from navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to ensuring every student has equal access to opportunity. Currently, the two most important challenges we have identified are aging facilities and how to navigate the California State Legislature’s budget for public schools.

First, many of our buildings were built over 50 years ago and we need to address aging piping, electrical and HVAC needs, roofing and more. As a board, we put a bond (Measure J) on the November ballot so we could improve our school facilities. We are already working to inform voters about what this solution is and why our community needs it.

Second, one of our most important responsibilities is to construct a budget, including forecasts for the coming school years. The state legislature must prioritize predictable and robust public education funding to help us plan for the years ahead. Therefore, as president of the board, I consistently and consciously communicate with voters, state representatives and senators, trade union members and political parties about the need for stable financing. This organization helps our elected officials keep our district’s priorities in mind as they create our statewide budget for the coming years.

What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in previous leadership positions that make you the right person for this position? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

I grew up in Southern California, the oldest of four children. As a child, my family struggled financially, and I quickly learned that education was the path to opportunity. I worked hard and eventually earned a degree in chemical engineering. Education gave me stability and allowed me to help my family. Then I had children, and my daughters were born with a metabolic disease. By advocating for them in the classroom, I saw students at TUSD who deserved the same access to opportunity that I received: I gained a passion for advocating for all students. I have served as president of the PTA, served on several nonprofit boards, and as a parent on the Special Education Community Advisory Committee.

In 2020, I won a seat on our board of directors. Since then, I have been able to further support the success of our 26 schools. We implemented mental health programs, connected families in need with community resources, and supported teachers. I bring a unique understanding of the power of education, years of experience and building relationships with local elected officials, and a commitment to our community to ensure every student has access to the same resources that changed my life.

California has a new law scheduled to go into effect in 2025 that prohibits districts from enforcing so-called parental notification policies, which are policies that allow school officials to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you think is the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

At Tustin Unified, we believe that parent involvement is essential to the academic and overall success of every student. We all know that research supports parents’ active involvement and connection with their child’s school, and we want parents to be involved. We recently implemented a charter school program in every Title I school in the district, which has significantly increased parent engagement for thousands of our students who experience challenges beyond their control. As president of the board, I am extremely proud of this work and the difference it makes for our students and families, many of whom benefit from supportive parent involvement. Every family is unique, and each student’s needs and health are unique.

At TUSD, we strive to understand the unique aspects of each student and their family, developing the communication and resources necessary to ensure health and success. This was the guiding principle of our commitment and for several years we were able to manage conversations with students and parents in a thoughtful way. This same principle will continue to guide our support and commitment to success in the years to come.

What role do you think your district plays in the fight against climate change? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

The most powerful tool we have to address climate change is our ability to educate the next generation about our impact on the environment and the variety of ways we can innovate to better protect our natural resources. Change can come thanks to the progress we build together. At the same time, we must understand the environmental impact our school district currently has. My biggest concern is that we are already experiencing the very real impacts of climate change on our schools. One example is the rising temperature of the asphalt surrounding many of our schools. On hot days, asphalt temperatures can reach up to 125 degrees. We need to find ways to create places where our children can play without being exposed to such extreme temperatures. Another example is that we need to keep classrooms cool for longer periods of time and rely on aging equipment to do so. That’s why we voted on Measure J in November: We must improve the sustainability of our facilities to help our students learn. Together, we must invest in the development of students and advocates who can lead the way to a more sustainable future.

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Originally published: October 4, 2024 at 4:35 p.m