On the Issues: Vanessa Caigoy, 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.

Vanessa Caigoy
Bio provided by candidate: “Vanessa Caigoy, a Citrus Heights native, is deeply rooted in Sacramento’s educational landscape. With a Bachelor’s in Accounting and an MBA in International Finance, she boasts nearly a decade of experience in state and federal compliance for California’s K-12 public schools. As a managing director at the California Charter Schools Association, Vanessa channels her expertise in finance and policy to benefit over 700 schools statewide. Committed to community service, she mentors youth through her sorority and champions financial literacy. Driven by her upbringing and core values, Vanessa is dedicated to advocating for high-quality education, parental empowerment, and positive change.”

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

My top three priorities would be:

1.) Community Engagement: Actively listening to parents and guardians, addressing concerns, and fostering trust through open communication to make inclusive decisions for students.

2.) Collaboration for Enhanced Opportunities: Forging partnerships with local resources and organizations, working closely with the County Office of Education to create additional opportunities such as after-school programs, tutoring, and healthcare for Sacramento County students.

3.) Effective Funding Oversight: Ensuring responsible allocation of funds, prioritizing investments that directly impact the classroom and enhance the overall educational experience for all students.

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?)

I am not in favor of the proposal to establish a new school district at this time. The creation of a new district would place a significant financial strain on many residents of Citrus Heights. With our current infrastructure consisting of 9 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, I recognize the need for improvement and other alternatives within our educational system. However, it is imperative that we pursue avenues for improving our schools without creating other problems. Most importantly, the majority of the committee does not support the proposal.

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

Ensuring school safety is my top priority. With experience in crafting and implementing safety plans, I emphasize collaboration with mental health experts and law enforcement. I would advocate for vital infrastructure and support systems in our local districts, including fencing, surveillance, and mental health services. Community involvement is crucial; therefore I would urge educational partners (parents, students, teachers, administrators, law enforcement, mental health specialists, city officials) to voice concerns and explore solutions collectively. We must invest in creating secure environments where all students can thrive. Strengthening partnerships between police, schools, and mental health professionals is key to achieving this goal.

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.

I advocate for safe, inclusive learning environments for all Sacramento students. Regardless of economic status, language, or specific needs, every student deserves support to thrive. We must prioritize classroom funding and allocate resources to tailored programs and curriculum that cater to diverse student needs. It’s crucial to empower our local districts in creating spaces where every student can excel.

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 do support SCOE’s decision. American River Collegiate Academy (ARCA) initially faced district denial on grounds that lacked coherence. ARCA, a public school that came from a network of public (tuition-free) schools, with a proven academic track record, was already negotiating a location, a concern cited in the denial. Presently, ARCA outperforms the majority of our elementary schools in English Language Arts and Math. I firmly support parents’ rights to select the educational model that best suits their child’s needs. Each student is unique, and parental choice is essential in ensuring their academic success.

Who are your top 3 endorsements?

• Joanne Ahola, (Incumbent) Trustee Sacramento County Board of Education, Area 4
• Sheriff Jim Cooper, Sacramento County
• California Charter Schools Association Advocates

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