Lila Talks About Our Schools

By Lila Cann

IMPROVED GRADUATION RATES: During my tenure as a High School District Trustee, our graduation rates have improved significantly, especially for our most challenged and poorest students. We need to build on that success. Our high schools need to build closer connections to Hartnell , MPC, and CSUMB, so that our students are prepared for college work and ready to move on to four-year universities

CHALLENGING OUR STUDENTS: Salinas High School ranks near the top on the Central Coast for Advanced Placement opportunities for our students + we need to increase our AP offerings to challenge every qualified student to succeed.

MUSIC AND ARTS: I have supported expanding music and arts so that all our middle school students have access to music and electives and our San Benancio, Buena Vista, and Washington Union students can apply their talents at the high school level in every field of the arts. I am proud that as a Trustee, I did not let budget cuts impact arts and music, but actually expanded student access.

CAREER PATHWAYS: We need to expand our vocational programs in cooperation with our junior colleges so that every student leaves high school with business and interview skills and a vocational qualification.

BULLYING AND STUDENT SAFETY: We have seen a major decline in bullying in our schools through ongoing monitoring and observation and we have installed numerous security devices throughout our school campuses to protect students and faculty. We continue to invest in staff trainings to ensure that our schools are a safe place for all.