WHY VOTE MICHELE SPARKS for SCHOOL BOARD
Michele's Story
Family, friends & community members, I’m excited to share my candidacy for SVUSD School Board, Trustee Area II. I am Michele Sparks, mother, wife, business women, education advocate and dedicated community volunteer.
Those who know me, know my passion for public education. A key factor in my drive to give back and serve our public schools is my personal experience as a first-generation college graduate, in which my teachers and counselors inspired & gave me the guidance and resources to succeed. I want to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education & the resources they need to be successful.
Over the past 13 years, my 3 children have all attended our SVUSD schools. I have actively advocated for education in our schools, serving in many capacities: PTA/PTO President at Valencia Elementary & La Paz Intermediate, chairing numerous PTA events & programs K-12, President of the Educational Foundation, SVPTA Council President, SVPTA VP of Advocacy, School Site Councils K-12, PBIS teams, Chair of the SVUSD College & Career Fair and numerous other committees. My experience equips me with first-hand knowledge of our schools and skills essential for leadership serving on the School Board.
Why School Board?
Michele is running for school board because it is a powerful way to be part of the conversations and solutions that shape education. It offers a platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, support educators, and contribute to the overall strength and success of our community.
Michele's calling to serve all students in SVUSD started at her children's school sites. This involvement, along with her upbringing became her driving force to strongly support Public Education & all students! Michele grew up in a low-income household, she started working at 12 years old, working full-time at 16 & taking classes at the community college her junior year in high school based on the guidance of her high school teachers & counselor. After high school, Michele completed her AA degree at Edmonds Community College and transferred to Western Washington University. She completed her bachelor's Degree with a double major in psychology & Business Administration while working full-time. Michele wanted more for life & she wants more for all students, she believes all children should be supported & have access to high-quality education!
Michele believes that strong schools are integral to building and maintaining strong communities. They provide educational and economic benefits, foster social unity and cultural enrichment, and contribute to the overall health and stability of the community.
Michele's Priorities
Partnership, Communication & Transparency with all SVUSD Stakeholders
Partnership, Communication & Transparency with all SVUSD Stakeholders
Partnership, Communication & Transparency with all SVUSD Stakeholders
Michele will be a voice for all stakeholders in our community. Joining the school board enables her to advocate for the interests and concerns of parents, students, and teachers, ensuring their perspectives are included in the decision-making process. She is here to listen & be a voice for all stakeholders.
Serving on the school board will allow Michele to champion transparency and hold the administration accountable, building trust and confidence in the school system.
Hiring & Retaining Quality Teachers & Instructional Assistants
Partnership, Communication & Transparency with all SVUSD Stakeholders
Partnership, Communication & Transparency with all SVUSD Stakeholders
In 2024, California faces several challenges in hiring quality teachers, including a continued shortage of qualified educators due to retirements and lack of new teachers, the high cost of living in our area, the need for competitive salaries, high workloads and demands leading to burnout and attrition, and the demand for teachers capable of addressing diverse student needs, including mental well being, special education, and English language learners.
Ensuring Safe & Healthy Learning Environments
Partnership, Communication & Transparency with all SVUSD Stakeholders
Ensuring Safe & Healthy Learning Environments
Ensuring safe and healthy learning environments in our SVUSD schools is crucial for student success. This involves implementing comprehensive safety measures, such as secure facilities and emergency preparedness, alongside fostering mental well-being through counseling services, anti-bullying programs, and open communication. By addressing both physical and mental health needs, we create a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.
Fiscal Responsibility
College & Career Readiness
Ensuring Safe & Healthy Learning Environments
A key role of being a board member is having a say in how the district's budget is spent, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to areas that need them most, such as classroom materials, teacher salaries, and extracurricular programs.
Michele has served on site council at all levels in SVUSD, attends board meetings regularly & has been a voice in the LCAP process year after year. As President of the Education Foundation, Michele works in partnership with the district to help support additional needs for our students & teachers that might not otherwise be possible. This, in addition to other involvements, has given her an understanding of SVUSD's budget needs, restrictions & requirements.
College & Career Readiness
College & Career Readiness
College & Career Readiness
Our local schools must emphasize both college and career readiness to equip students with diverse pathways for success. By offering strong academic programs for college preparation and comprehensive career and technical education, schools can cater to varied student interests and strengths. This dual approach ensures students are prepared for an evolving job market and supports individual success.
Michele has helped promote our CTE (Career Technical Education) program through PTA parent education nights throughout SVUSD & also chaired SVUSD's College & Career Fair for 2023 & 2024 strongly emphasizing college, trades, the arts & special education representation at the event.
Dedication & Service to SVUSD & Community
