Name: Jami Merchant

Age: 35

Resides: Dos Lagos, Corona 

Family:  Husband — Ryan; Daniel, 5 in December; Connor,18 months 

Occupation: Education Outreach Coordinator for Optimum Seismic 

Education: CNUSD from K-12, RCC, Licensed EMT

Community Involvement: 

• Greater Corona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, treasurer
• Citrus Springs Home Owners Association, vice president
• Circle City Kiwanis, board member
• Corona Chamber Foundation, board member
• Riverside Community College District, Friends of Forensics, Board of Governors member
• Corona History Association, secretary
• Avidly volunteers in the classroom
• Awanas Sparks Leader 

Learn More About Me: Website: www.jamimerchant.com  Facebook: Elect Jami Merchant for CNUSD School Board 

My endorsements include: Corona-Norco Teachers Association, California School Employee Association, CalFire Local 2881, Riverside County Sheriffs’ Association, S.R. “Al” Lopez, Western Municipal Water District board president; Virginia Blumenthal, RCCD board president

Why are you seeking election?
My love for education and appreciation for the education process began at an early age since many of my family members were educators. I understand the important balance of maintaining a great working environment for the teachers and support staff while making sure the district has a rigorous academic program that gives students all the tools they need to have a great and successful education. All of this with the understanding that Kids Are Always First.

I am committed to representing the parents, students, employees and all stakeholders in the most honest and energetic manner possible.

What are the predominant issues facing the Corona-Norco Unified School District and how would you address them?
The district has a geography problem. The district resources to new outlying communities, especially at the high school level, is lacking. I will work with the district to:

• Continue conservative fiscal management and to assure bond money is being used as intended. I will dig deep to see where and how money is being spent. It is important we use the money the most efficient way we can. We need to make it priority to expand programs for our students and assuring teachers have the necessary tools and equipment in the classroom.

• Put more emphasis on class size reduction. I will work side-by-side with the CNTA and the district to assure they continue on the path to reduce class size.

• Work with the district to increase school safety and ensure schools are seen as a family-friendly, community resource that strengthen neighborhoods.

• Broaden programs for special needs children. When a child has special needs or a learning disability parents should not have to fight to get their children in the proper programs or services. As a district, we need to make it more accessible for our students to be in the programs and have the resources to ensure they are in the best learning environment for their learning style and or disability.

• Expand the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and Career Technical Education (CTE) emphasizing workforce preparedness programs. It is not practical to think all students are going to go to college after high school. We need to give them the tools and training while in high school so when they graduate they are able to find a job and make a median income.

• Focus on making sure teachers are equipped with all the necessary technology and tools in the classroom

What are the predominant school issues facing Temescal Valley and how would you address them?
Issues facing Temescal Valley are:

We do not have a voice or someone representing us at the district level. When I am elected I am committed to be that voice and will be active within the community, and accessible for all parents, students, teachers and support staff. My neighborhood sits at the gateway to Temescal Valley and I consider this the bridge between Corona and Temescal Valley. Our home is within the boundary for Temescal Valley Elementary; we have sports, we shop, we play in Temescal Valley.

Long commute times for our TV student to get to middle and high school. They aren’t projected to lessen anytime soon with continued construction of new housing in the area.

I would like to see a high school be built in our area. I do not see it being feasible to build a large comprehensive high school due to limited money. What I would like to see is a smaller high school that offers different programs for students that are studying Arts, STEM, Middle College, and a hybrid on-line school. I feel that something this size is very achievable and would help loosen the load of students at the other high schools as well.

I will also work with the district to help push the process along to have Temescal Valley Elementary become a K-8 academy as well.

I feel all of these solutions will help traffic some by having different drop off and pick up times because of the before and after school care, parents will not all be dropping off and picking up at the same time. As well as not having to drive your children across town to middle school.