The Coast News has asked the candidates running for the Vista Unified School District board of trustees to participate in a questionnaire about their stances on local issues ahead of the November election.
The five-person board of trustees is elected by area to oversee the TK-12 district, which serves around 19,000 students between 24 schools.
Area 4 Trustee Cipriano Vargas is the only incumbent running for another term in 2024, facing off against small business owner and parent Frank Nuñez and nonprofit director and parent Zulema Gomez to represent central Vista.
PTA leader and small business owner Amanda Remmen and parent Michael Markov are running for the Area 1 seat currently held by Rosemary Smithfield, which represents northern Vista and parts of Oceanside.
Retired teacher Susan Martin and business owner Anthony “TJ” Crossman are running for Julie Kelly’s Area 5 seat, which represents Ocean Hills, Buena Vista and Shadowridge.
All candidates besides Gomez and Martin participated in the questionnaire, with responses outlined below.
Q: As a school board member, what strategies would you explore/implement to address declining enrollment in your district? Do you think school consolidation is a responsible way for the district to respond to declining enrollment?
MARKOV: While campaigning, I have personally met families who have said they will be removing their children from VUSD before middle school. We need to make Vista Unified an attractive education choice for families, especially those who are opting for public education alternatives. The first thing we need to address is our abysmal academic performance in attaining California state standards.
VUSD has not had a good track record when it comes to consolidation. The most recent attempt left an entire middle school sitting empty and unused and hundreds of students displaced, only to find out the district did not have the funds it expected to complete the project that prompted the consolidation in the first place. Proper, responsible planning and community input are the only way forward.
REMMEN: As a school board member, I would focus on creating an environment that attracts both educators and families. By prioritizing smaller classroom sizes and creating a better work environment, we can enhance the quality of education and make our schools more appealing. I believe we should leverage declining enrollment as an opportunity to reevaluate our practices and think outside the box to make meaningful changes.
Instead of school consolidation, which can negatively impact our community ties, we should explore alternative solutions, such as data-proven programs and extracurricular activities, and improve communication with families to showcase our schools’ unique strengths. Engaging the community in these discussions will help us understand their needs and ensure our district is a place where families want to send their children and educators want to work.
NUNEZ: To tackle the issue of declining enrollment, I would consider strategies aimed at enhancing our district’s image by prioritizing academic achievement, ensuring student safety, and fostering parental engagement. It’s crucial to both retain current families and draw in new ones by enriching our curriculum and creating a secure school environment.
While consolidation might be warranted in some scenarios, it should be viewed as a last option. Any consolidation plan must undergo a thorough evaluation, taking into account its effects on students and the surrounding community. Maintaining neighborhood schools should remain a top priority whenever possible.
VARGAS: I’m proud of the work I’ve done to keep our schools competitive and create new opportunities. When I started, our district had no language immersion programs, and we were losing students. Today, we offer Spanish immersion at four sites, keeping local kids in Vista schools. At VHS and RBV, we added a 7th period to give our students a choice in their course selection.
We also partnered with CSUSM to offer free behavioral health courses, allowing high schoolers to earn college credits. School consolidation was a last resort and a decision I didn’t take lightly. After a thorough review by a demographer, we identified two sites to consolidate. This decision allowed us to invest more in the remaining schools, ensuring they are safe and well-resourced. My focus has always been on thoughtful, long-term choices that protect students and involve the community.
CROSSMAN: To address declining enrollment, I would explore strategies to improve our district’s reputation by focusing on academic excellence, student safety, and parent involvement. We need to retain families and attract new ones by enhancing our curriculum and making schools safer. While consolidation may be necessary in certain cases, it should be a last resort. We must ensure that any consolidation plan is carefully evaluated, keeping in mind the impact on students and communities. Preserving neighborhood schools is a priority whenever feasible.
Q: As a school board official, what would you do to successfully implement the state’s ethnic studies guidelines for high schools while involving the community in the process?
MARKOV: To begin with, the board would direct the superintendent to find suitable curriculum options that the trustees and community can review. There are several ways we can solicit participation from the community, from press releases to direct emails to parents through the superintendent’s office. Workshops can be held, and of course, voices can be heard at the board meeting itself. VUSD publishes agenda items and supporting documents on its website before every meeting. Speaker reservation cards are available at the meeting to speak generally at the beginning or at the appropriate time when the agenda item comes up.
REMMEN: As a school board member, I’d ensure the successful implementation of the state’s ethnic studies guidelines through collaboration and transparency. I’d seek guidance from teachers who have already pioneered this class at our high schools, working closely with the district’s Equity Advisory Committee, educators, parents, students, and community leaders to shape a curriculum that meets state standards and reflects our local diversity.
To engage the community, I’d host forums to gather feedback, address concerns, and have open dialogue. Ensuring teachers receive the necessary training and resources for effective instruction would be a priority. Finally, I’d establish a system of feedback to assess and improve the program based on ongoing community input.
NUNEZ: As a school board official, I would focus on implementing the state’s ethnic studies guidelines in a way that aligns with our community’s values. This would involve fostering an inclusive process that encourages input from parents, educators, and community members alike. It’s important to teach history with an objective lens, promoting unity and avoiding divisive language. Developing a curriculum that champions mutual respect and understanding is essential for preparing our students to navigate and succeed in a diverse world.
VARGAS: I’m proud to report that we have already successfully implemented ethnic studies at our high schools. These programs were developed by teachers, parents, and community members to ensure they aligned with the state’s new mandate while reflecting our community. I’ve personally visited these classrooms, and I’ve seen how the curriculum is helping students engage with and appreciate the histories of various cultures, which is essential for fostering understanding and inclusion.
For all new classes, I’ve always advocated for regular reviews and report-backs from teachers, students, and parents. This ensures the curriculum continues to meet the evolving needs of our students and community. I’m dedicated to making thoughtful improvements as we gather data. This work is about preparing our students for the future by giving them the tools to succeed in a diverse world while fostering respect and the shared values of Vista among all students.
CROSSMAN: I would ensure that ethnic studies guidelines are implemented in a way that reflects our community’s values. This means creating an inclusive process that invites input from parents, teachers, and community members. We should emphasize the importance of teaching history objectively, fostering unity, and avoiding divisive rhetoric. A curriculum that promotes mutual respect and understanding is crucial for preparing students for a diverse world.
Q: What is your stance on AB 1955, which prohibits school districts from adopting or enforcing policies that would require employees to disclose information about a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression to anyone without the student’s permission?
MARKOV: We are in a place and time where parents and teachers need to build a partnership on trust and collaboration. Students thrive when their needs are met both at home and at school. I believe it is important for parents and teachers to be able to discuss the needs of students when it comes to issues like study habits, homework, bullying, drug or alcohol abuse and mental well being. All this, AB1955 notwithstanding.
REMMEN: I support AB 1955 because it prioritizes student safety, privacy, and well-being. Students deserve to feel secure in their school environment, especially when it comes to deeply personal aspects like their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Forcing students to disclose this information without their consent can lead to harm, including discrimination or emotional distress. AB 1955 ensures that students have control over when and how they share this information, creating a more trusting and supportive relationship between students and educators. By protecting their privacy, we can foster a school environment where all students feel respected and safe.
NUNEZ: My view on AB 1955 centers on the importance of building trust among parents, students, and schools. While I strongly support the need to protect student privacy, I worry that the bill’s provisions, which limit parental involvement in crucial discussions about their child’s well-being, could erode that trust.
Parents should be engaged as vital partners in their children’s development, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like gender identity. As a board member, I would advocate for policies that effectively balance student privacy with the necessity of fostering open and honest communication between schools and families, ensuring that students feel both supported and safe.
VARGAS: This question misses the real priorities for our schools. The job of our educators is to ensure that all students — including our LGBTQ students — have a learning environment where they are safe, respected, and supported. Teachers are here to educate and foster inclusive environments, not to police students’ identities.
Decisions about gender identity are deeply personal, and forcing teachers to make intimate disclosures is not just weird; it can lead to harmful consequences like bullying and mental health struggles. Our focus should remain on creating a space where every student can thrive, with the support of trained counselors when needed.
CROSSMAN: Building trust between parents, schools, and students is essential. While I support protecting student privacy, I believe that excluding parents from important conversations about their child’s well-being, as AB 1955 does, could damage that trust.
Parents should be trusted partners in their child’s development, especially regarding sensitive issues like gender identity. As a board member, I would advocate for policies that balance student privacy with the need for open, honest communication between schools and families, ensuring both safety and support.
Q: What are ways you can save taxpayer dollars and/or raise revenue for the district as a school board official?
MARKOV: Raising revenue for the district is directly tied to the number of students in the classroom. This goes to the heart of the ‘why’ we need to improve the quality of our academics at VUSD. We need to make VUSD an attractive educational option for families who might be looking at private school, homeschooling or another hybrid program.
REMMEN: As a school board member, I’d prioritize directing funds toward student needs rather than wasteful spending like excessive travel or constantly changing programs. Focusing on what directly impacts students — such as classroom resources, mental health support, school safety measures, and proven effective programs supported by data — ensures taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
I’d collaborate with families, educators, and stakeholders to align spending with the community’s priorities. Additionally, I’d work with families to advocate for more funding for education, including school safety initiatives, and ensure we’re applying for all available state funds to support our schools and students.
NUNEZ: As a school board official, I would implement various strategies to conserve taxpayer dollars and enhance revenue for our district. My approach would start with diligent budgeting practices, identifying and reducing superfluous administrative costs to ensure that more funds reach the classroom where they matter most. I would also explore collaborations with local businesses and community organizations to develop new revenue opportunities for our schools. Additionally, I would actively seek out state and federal grants, which can provide vital resources without adding to the financial burden on local taxpayers.
VARGAS: I’ve served on the school board for seven years, fighting for the resources our students and teachers need. I’m the only candidate who’s balanced a $300 million budget and secured millions in funding for mental health programs, career pathways, and modernizing our schools. I’ve ensured every dollar is spent wisely — focusing on smaller class sizes, more counselors, and better learning environments, not on flashy, short-term fixes.
As budget challenges arise, I’ll continue fighting for state and federal funding by leveraging the partnerships I’ve built over the years and pushing for innovative solutions that benefit our district. We must continue to be aggressive in fighting for our fair share of revenue, whether through grants or partnerships with local businesses, to support critical programs. If tough choices are necessary, I’ll lead a transparent process. You can trust me to always put students first and keep delivering results for Vista.
CROSSMAN: To save taxpayer dollars, I would prioritize responsible budgeting, cutting unnecessary administrative costs, and ensuring that funds go directly to classroom instruction. I would explore partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to generate additional revenue for our schools. Pursuing state and federal grants can also provide needed resources without burdening local taxpayers.
Q: Would you support putting another bond before voters in the near future to address infrastructure needs in the district? Why or why not?
MARKOV: VUSD is in a difficult position right now, academically and financially. It is critical to get VUSD’s financial house in order before thinking about approaching the taxpayers with our hands out. We need to address the mismanagement that got us here in the first place and show we are responsible stewards of our finances and assets. Any discussion of a future bond would need to go through a transparent process and business conducted out in the open.
REMMEN: Our school district needs another bond to fix our schools. I believe we need to build the trust of our community to get that bond. I would support putting another bond before voters to address our district’s infrastructure needs, as our schools require significant repairs and improvements to provide a safe and effective learning environment.
However, I recognize that building trust within our community is essential before moving forward with this proposal. We need to ensure that families understand the specific needs of our schools and how the bond will directly benefit students and staff. Transparency in how funds will be used, along with consistent communication and engagement with our community, is crucial. I am committed to responsible spending and prioritizing projects that are vital to students. We need to foster confidence in our district and collaborate with our community to support a bond.
NUNEZ: Before proposing another bond to address infrastructure needs, I believe we must first demonstrate fiscal responsibility. It’s vital for the district to focus on cutting unnecessary expenses and maximizing the efficient use of our existing resources. With taxpayers already contributing a significant amount, it’s important that we align our financial practices with the sacrifices families are making in their own budgets. We should thoroughly explore all avenues for cost savings and alternative funding before considering a new bond request. Prioritizing responsible financial stewardship is essential for maintaining public trust.
VARGAS: I’m proud to have earned an A+ from the San Diego Taxpayers Association for managing the last bond responsibly, proving we’ve been good stewards of taxpayer dollars. While we maximized the $240 million from the 2018 bond for crucial upgrades, our district still faces over $1 billion in facility needs, including critical safety improvements and replacing aging portable classrooms with permanent structures. These outdated classrooms and safety systems put students at risk, see long range facility master plan. With 61% of voters supporting a new bond, I felt it was crucial to let voters decide in 2024.
Unfortunately, two Board Members disagreed, and the bond didn’t move forward. However, I remain committed to advocating for modern, safe learning environments. Without state or federal investments, we have few options to address these infrastructure challenges, and when students lack proper conditions, everyone loses.
CROSSMAN: Before asking the public for more funding, we must first tighten our own belt. The district needs to prioritize finding ways to cut unnecessary expenses and make better use of existing resources.
Taxpayers are already paying enough in taxes, and if families are making cuts in their own budgets, the district should do the same. Only after we’ve made these efforts and exhausted other funding options should we consider asking voters for additional support through a bond. Responsible financial stewardship must come first.