Board Incumbents Scurry For Votes of Their Own on Debate Night

Gina Daleiden and Sheila Allen were representing themselves at the event, while Tim Taylor was unable to attend.  All in all, approximately twelve people stopped by the  event, which fell on the same night as the debate held on UC Davis’s campus.

According to Pat King, a math teacher at Holmes Jr. High, “She can ask hard questions, is willing to listen to all sides, and then makes a decision based on what is best for the greater good.  These are difficult financial times, and we will need to trust that the leaders seated on the School Board are making the best decisions for the entire school system.”

Sheila Allen, too, has a number of accomplishments while a member of the board.  She co-chaired two parcel tax measures (Measure W : a parcel tax for three years of $50 per unit for multi-family units and $120.00 per parcel for all other homes—and—Measure Q: a continuation of a tax measure implemented over 20 years ago.) 

Allen also achieved in relocating Da Vinci Charter High, as well as in creating a tutoring center at Davis High School for all students.  She believes that in order to have success in Davis schools there must be access to profound education for all students, complete budget responsibility, and communication between the school board and the community. 

Tim Taylor, who was unable to attend the event, announced that if he is re-elected, it will be his last term before handing the position over to someone else.  Taylor, representing the board as the president, has worked on numerous issues both difficult and exhausting—ranging from the achievement gap, to financial issues and the budget cycle.

The three candidates have had the luxury of working together for some time and have achieved much together.  James Hammond, the prior Davis Superintendent, stated. “A vote for Tim, Gina, and Sheila is a vote for the kids!  They are the finest team of elected school leaders I have ever worked with.”

There is some competition, however, as challenger Mike Nolan stated in an interview with the Vanguard, “I’ll bring a fresh perspective and more energy to deal with this really big problem that we’re facing.”  He stated that, although the three incumbents are hard-working and great people, there is a lack of performance evaluation.

Attending the meet-and-greet were all types of people, ranging from parents of pre-schoolers and of elementary schoolers, to professors from UC Davis.  Each were curious to see how they would cast their votes.

In the coming weeks, the Vanguard will again conduct interviews with the three incumbents, Sheila Allen, Gina Daleiden and Tim Taylor, as well as challenger Mike Nolan. 

This is Samantha Lynch reporting.

Samantha Lynch is a UC Davis student and will be covering the DJUSD School Board, Schools issues, and the election.