On the Issues: Linda Christopher-DeWilde, Candidate for Board of Education

Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2024 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Sacramento County Office of Education, Area 4, board. The questions are designed to give each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s background and positions. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.

Linda Christopher-DeWilde | Age: 61
Bio provided by candidate: “I was born and raised in California…After graduating from Concordia University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education, I was a classroom teacher for twenty years. During this time I also received my Masters Degree in Education Administration from CSU Sacramento. I then became the principal of an alternative education high school, helped start a pre-apprenticeship program at the community college level, and later became a district grant writer and Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) director. I was also fortunate to work as the executive director for two education-related nonprofits…My Education Doctorate is in leadership and policy.” (Edited for length)

What are your top 2-3 priorities for improving education in Sacramento County, and how do you propose to fund them?

• Safe schools with high-quality teaching. This priority should already be funded through a District or County Office’s Local Control Accountability Plan. However, teacher professional development and safety planning is always needed, and must always be kept current.
• Job training for high school students. Career-oriented programs including Career Technical Education can be funded through collaborative partnerships between businesses and schools, Workforce Development, and state/federal grants.
• Schools should offer more financial literacy courses. Districts and the County schools can use current curriculum funding to update math textbooks, and purchase supplementary materials that demonstrate the practical, real-world application of mathematics.

Citing low test scores and quality of education, the Citrus Heights City Council formed a committee last year to look into the feasibility of breaking off from the San Juan Unified School District and forming its own district. Do you support this idea (why/why not?)

For this kind of undertaking, I would need to see more hard data and community input to form an opinion. I do believe that parent voice as well as student voice are key factors to consider.

Concerns about school safety are top of mind for many parents. What are two specific ways you would pursue addressing this concern?

School safety is of the highest importance! As a school board member, I would promote the following:

• 1.) Installation of high-quality proven security systems at every school, and allow for only a single point of entry on each campus.
• 2.) Provide relevant up-to-date safety training for all teachers and staff, implement technology that provides immediate direct contact to law enforcement and other first responders, and include security personnel on campus when needed.

A key objective of SCOE is to “Cultivate a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.” Would you keep this as a key objective, and if so, what are two ways you would seek to advance this during your term in office, if elected.

Sacramento is a very diverse county, and we should honor and respect the varying backgrounds and cultures of all students. No student, or student groups should ever be marginalized or made to feel as if they are lesser than. It is also imperative that we ensure inclusion of Students with Disabilities and English learners, so they have access to school programs and activities the same as General Ed students.

In February 2020, SCOE’s board voted 5-2 to allow a new public charter school within the San Juan Unified School District, overriding a vote to deny the charter by the SJUSD board. Do you support SCOE’s decision (why/why not)?

I support productive Charter Schools that provide a positive alternative to the traditional style of education. I have not yet read the charter for this school.

Who are your top 3 endorsements?

I chose not to pursue endorsements from any special interest groups. I’m a non-partisan candidate for a non-partisan office.

Editor’s Note: to view other candidate’s responses to The Sentinel’s questionnaire, visit: citrusheightssentinel.com/category/education