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In a recent interview with Jason Walker, a newly elected member of the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District Board, we delved into his background, motivations for running for the board, and the pressing issues facing the district.
Walker's diverse personal and professional experiences, including stints in banking, law enforcement, and education, shape his commitment to leaving a positive impact on the community.
Fluent in English and Spanish, he emphasizes his dedication to ensuring Dry Creek remains an excellent place for his children and their peers to receive a quality education.
Our Wake Up Placer Team sees him as a well balanced leader that we should support.
Q: Jason, can you tell us a bit more about your background and why you decided to run for the school board?
Jason Walker: Certainly. I believe my varied experiences in banking, law enforcement, and education uniquely qualify me to contribute to the school board. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish and even have some proficiency in sign language. My commitment to making a difference stems from my philosophy of leaving people and places better than I found them. As a parent with kids in the district, my principal motivation is to ensure Dry Creek remains a fantastic place for them and their peers to receive an education.
Q: What are the major needs facing the board and yourself personally in your role?
Jason Walker: Addressing the needs of the board, particularly in terms of budgeting, is an ongoing challenge. Financial stewardship is crucial, considering both managing existing resources and advocating for the district's fair share from the state. We must be fiscally conservative, especially with potential threats from state and local entities attempting to divert funds from education. Personally, I aim to learn from experienced peers and district staff. Being new to this position, I recognize the importance of gaining valuable insights to contribute effectively. My dedication stems from the belief that the children in our district are worth the effort.
Wake Up Placer would point out that the idea of 'unfunded mandates' is a path that the state of California uses to break city and county budgets. (Heck- it might be THE path)
Q: Let's talk about some social challenges within the district, particularly addressing sensitive topics like sex education. What are your thoughts on navigating these discussions in a K-8 setting?
Jason Walker: "The Talk" about sex and sexuality should ideally begin at home, but with the prevalence of sexual content in various media, it's inevitable that schools play a role. Striking the right balance is crucial. Conversations that a teacher has with a student about sex should involve the student’s parents. Educators should support and partner with parents rather than replace them. Policies should maintain the integrity of the Parent-Child-School relationship. I've observed a concerning trend of misinformation and fear mongering from organizations and government offices, which is causing unnecessary panic among educators.
Wake Up Placer shares concerns that 'other groups' and 'other professionals' – like teachers- are taking roles that do not belong to them. In September, the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District Board adopted a policy that the district needs to share changes in a students name or gender with that students parents. Sadly many teachers from the district chose to attend the meeting and shout at the School Board, insisting that parents do not have an unassailable right to parent their children. A typical speaker and their attack on the board can be found here: https://rumble.com/v3pl9x5-dry-creek-students-rights-are-more-important-than-parents-right-because-par.html
Q: Can you elaborate on your stance regarding the handling of sensitive information and the role of government officials in educational matters?
Jason Walker: It is inappropriate for any government official to withhold sensitive information from parents. Regardless of one's stance on LGBTQ+ issues, the focus should be on maintaining transparency and trust between parents, teachers, and the school. Teachers need the freedom to teach without unnecessary interference, and parents should have access to information that concerns their children. There's a need to distinguish between the roles of teachers and parents, ensuring both work collaboratively in the best interests of the child.
Q: How do you propose managing the potential distractions that discussions about sex and sexuality may pose in the classroom, given the numerous challenges educators already face?
Jason Walker: Creating a clear distinction between the responsibilities of teachers and parents is essential. Teachers should focus on teaching core subjects, addressing challenges such as behavioral issues, language barriers, and learning gaps.
Until students of all backgrounds achieve mastery in fundamental subjects, discussions about sex and sexuality could divert attention from crucial academic goals. By maintaining this focus, we not only support teachers in their primary roles but also contribute to the overall success of our students.
In summary, Jason Walker brings a unique blend of experiences to the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District Board, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the Parent-Child-School relationship. As the district faces challenges in budget management and social discussions, Walker's approach centers on collaboration, transparency, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of the students in Dry Creek.
Wake up Placer is very concerned that teachers are working to take parents rights away. The California Teachers Association is planning on spending $60 million on local school board races in 2024. There are about 1,000 school districts in the state- so that equals ~$60,000 per district. In many districts, $60,000 is more than double the amount that all school board candidates raise in for that election.
The CTA is planning on taking over 'all' California school boards- and voters need to hear what they are saying.
Please watch and ponder what the Rocklin teacher’s union president and the teachers union county level leadership said to the Rocklin Unified School Board when that board decided to be the first school board in Placer County to adopt a policy around ensuring that parents are informed if the school will be changing a students status.
A link to the Wake Up Placer article is here: https://wakeupplacer.com/kids/rusd-9-6-board-meeting-video-showing-rocklin-teachers-union-bad-teachers/