School Boards Matter: 2026 Candidate Guide

Nina Haines

What do you see as the greatest challenges facing public school districts over the next several years? 

I am not sure what is going on in other districts but after attending a meeting of the Escondido Union High School board, reduced attendance was cited as an ongoing issue. This is understandable with families moving out of state due to  higher costs and inflation. This also affects area businesses as staffing shortages- especially in the service industry- abound and less jobs are created.

Not having enough resources and funding for public schools makes it more difficult to stay competitive and  provide next level education in the major areas- science, technology, math, arts and humanities.   

How should school boards respond to increasing political polarization, censorship efforts, attacks on policies/programs aimed at supporting marginalized students, and declining trust in public education?

This disharmony is a very difficult situation for the children as well as their families and affects everyone’s safety and  wellbeing. Remaining apolitical and focusing on the children’s education should be the primary focus of a school board.   Perhaps reaching out to local businesses or charitable and other organizations would be helpful, even if no financial support is given. Involving families might be helpful too, reaching out to parents to rebuild trust and offering counselling for children, Teachers and parents. I would collaborate with other schools and look for best practices to deal with the issues.

How would you work to ensure that all students, including students from historically marginalized communities, feel safe, supported, respected, and able to fully participate in school? What role should school boards play in creating inclusive school cultures?

Discouraging and taking seriously any bullying activity. Communicating and teaching students about diversity and discrimination in its various forms so they understand and recognize it’s impact.  Creating diverse groups for various projects, monitoring these groups. Making sure counselling is available for all students.

Educator burnout, staffing shortages, and retention challenges continue to affect schools across California. What do you believe districts should do to better support and retain teachers, counselors, classified staff, and other school employees?

Making sure wages, cost of living adjustments and any other compensation is not falling behind. Offer counselling, offer career plans for the staff and teachers. I would have discussions with them and conduct forums so we can try to resolve these problems together.

Student achievement data often reflects persistent disparities based on race, income, disability, language access, housing instability, and other factors. What strategies or priorities would you support to improve student outcomes while also addressing underlying inequities?

I think making sure tutoring is available to all students, perhaps organizing a student study group to help/teach those less versed in a subject would help. Getting parents involved to do the same. Checking in with each student to make sure they have their basic needs covered- shelter, food and a safe environment. Offering counselling. Being the voice of the student, parents and teachers and communicating their concerns to the board when possible.

Schools are increasingly navigating questions related to technology, artificial intelligence, social media, student privacy, and digital safety. What principles should guide district decisions around technology use while ensuring students are both prepared for the future and protected from harm?

Many European countries have taken social media, cell phones etc. away from students at least in class. I think that’s a good idea. They’ve also created laws where students cannot bring those items into the classroom which I agree with.

They could educate students on technology and digital safety by offering these courses and those students wishing to learn more could do so.  It is likely they would use social media and AI at home during their leisure time but I think the school environment and academics should focus on learning about the subjects and then learning how to cultivate deeper learning without using them.

How should school districts ensure that all students, regardless of background, identity, ability, or zip code, have equitable access to high-quality academic programs, mental health supports, extracurricular opportunities, and pathways to college and careers?

Having the best teachers, having various educational opportunities for the students above and beyond the norm- like internships trade and corporate, non-profit, not singling students out because of their gender or race, etc. Creating a safe environment- mentally and physically, so students can function to the best of their abilities. Making sure advanced education is available to all students in technology, science etc. Also offering a variety of electives and sports or music or theater to expand their minds into different areas.

School board members must balance their duty to act in the best interest of students and the families they represent with the practical realities of overseeing a district's operations and finances. How do you plan to communicate with your constituents to understand their needs and priorities? What steps will you take to follow through and verify that what the district reports is actually being implemented as promised?

I think having discussions and having them often is key to understanding all the  particular issues which may vary from one location to another.  Discussions need to be with Teachers, parents and students alike. Following up with plans made as a result of the meetings and discussing some more.

Fiscal responsibility is important and  reviewing the budgets, reallocating funds that may need to be allocated elsewhere to best serve the students is good policy, to the extent I have control over that effort. I have been a financial Controller for many years and prepared annual budgets. Sometimes funds had to be reallocated based on current needs or trends, some costs would also have to be cut in order to fund higher priorities.  These priorities should be dictated by teachers, parents and students while understanding the school boards needs as well. The priority is the children’s education.

For more about Nina, visit: NinaforEscondido.com