Susan Davis (Elk Grove Unified School District, California)
2024 - Present
2028
0
Susan Davis is a member of the Elk Grove Unified Board of Education in California, representing Trustee Area 1. She assumed office on December 6, 2024. Her current term ends on December 1, 2028.
Davis ran for election to the Elk Grove Unified Board of Education to represent Trustee Area 1 in California. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Davis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Susan Davis was born in Glasgow, Montana. Her career experience includes working as a secretary, warranty administrator, and elementary school secretary. Davis has been affiliated with the Elk Grove Business Education Support Team, EGTEAMS, PIE - Partners in Education, and Florin Girls Softball.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Elk Grove Unified School District, California, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 1
Susan Davis defeated incumbent Tony Perez in the general election for Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 1 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Susan Davis (Nonpartisan)  | 61.9 | 7,322 |
 | Tony Perez (Nonpartisan) | 38.1 | 4,512 | |
| Total votes: 11,834 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Davis in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Susan Davis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Davis' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Susan is a devoted mother of four children—three daughters and a son who is deceased. Her daughters all live locally except for one, who is a distinguished Army officer and nurse. Susan's personal experiences navigating the special education system as a parent, helping her son from second grade onward, culminated in the rewarding moment when he graduated with honors. Her daughters also participated in other educational programs within EGUSD such as Independent Studies and Continuation school. So she has many varied experiences and vast knowledge within the EGUSD. She is a proud grandmother of six and a great-grandmother of two, with one grandchild who graduated from Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) and another who is beginning an EGUSD middle school this fall. Over the years, many children have come to know Susan as "mom" and remain a part of her family.
Susan's family is comprised of many races, and they have faced and overcome adversity and racism. This personal history has reinforced her commitment to fostering inclusivity in schools.- If elected, my key initiative will be to address disparities in educational outcomes across the district, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have equitable access to high-quality education and resources.
Equitable Resource Allocation: Assess and adjust the distribution of resources to ensure that schools with the greatest needs receive adequate support. This includes funding for academic programs, special education services, and extracurricular activities.
Enhanced Support for Underserved Students: Implement targeted programs to assist students from underserved communities. This involves increasing access to tutoring, mentoring, and counseling services. - Innovative Learning Opportunities: Preparing students for the future means embracing innovation. I will champion initiatives that integrate technology, encourage critical thinking, advocate for college and trade schools, and provide real-world learning experiences. Investing in technology and infrastructure is essential. The district should ensure that all schools are equipped with the necessary resources to support digital learning, which can help manage larger student populations by offering flexible learning options. We need to collaborate with local trades to provide pathways for our students who chose not to go to college so that they have opportunities for a higher paying career.
- Finally, engaging the community is crucial. The district should maintain open lines of communication with parents, students, and community members, seeking their input on how best to manage growth. By working together, the district can develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of its expanding population while maintaining a high standard of education. Education is a collaborative effort. I will strive to strengthen the partnership between schools, families, and the community to foster an environment of shared responsibility and mutual respect
Issues that I support.
Special Education
Equity and Inclusivity for All.
Safe Schools for our children to attend.
Advocating for the Unseen and Unassisted.
Parent and community involvement.
Their love was unconditional and non-judgmental. They taught us the value of hard work, integrity, and treating everyone with kindness, even those who might not deserve it. They embraced and welcomed all spouses of their children and grandchildren, enriching our family with diversity. In small-town Montana, their courage in standing against local prejudices was a testament to their strong convictions.
Key principles from the book include:
See People as People: Recognize the humanity in others and consider their needs, desires, and concerns.
Change Your Mindset: Shift from a self-centered perspective to one that values others’ contributions and experiences.
Take Responsibility: Understand and address how your actions impact others, and seek to improve interactions and outcomes.
Integrity: Adherence to ethical principles and honesty in all dealings.
Accountability: Responsiveness to constituents and responsibility for decisions and actions.
Transparency: Openness about decision-making processes and financial matters.
Competence: Adequate knowledge, skills, and experience to perform duties effectively.
Empathy: Understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of the community.
Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and make difficult decisions for the public good.
Commitment to Public Service: Dedication to serving the community rather than personal gain.
Representing Constituents: Advocating for and addressing the needs and concerns of the people who elected them.
Legislation and Policy Making: Crafting, debating, and enacting policies that benefit the community and address public issues.
Oversight and Accountability: Monitoring the implementation policies and holding the school board, the district, and students and their families accountable for their actions.
Constituent Services: Assisting individuals
with navigating school services and addressing their specific issues.
Fiscal Responsibility: Managing public resources wisely and ensuring transparent and effective use of taxpayer funds.
Engagement and Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with the public, providing updates, and soliciting feedback.
Ethical Conduct: Upholding high standards of ethical behavior and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Setting Policy: Establishing policies that guide the administration and operations of schools, including curriculum standards, student discipline, and teacher qualifications.
Budget Oversight: Approving and monitoring the school district’s budget to ensure that funds are used effectively and align with educational priorities.
Hiring and Evaluating the Superintendent: Selecting and evaluating the performance of the superintendent, who manages the day-to-day operations of the district.
Advocacy: Representing the interests of the community and advocating for the needs of students and schools.
Ensuring Accountability: Monitoring the performance of schools, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and addressing any issues related to educational quality and equity.
Students: The primary focus is on ensuring that students receive a quality education and have access to resources and support that facilitate their learning and development.
Parents and Guardians: They are key stakeholders whose feedback and concerns about their children’s education and school environment are crucial.
Teachers and School Staff: Their needs and professional development are important for maintaining a productive and positive educational environment.
Community Members: Residents of the district who are affected by school policies, budgets, and educational outcomes, even if they do not have children in the schools.
Local Businesses and Organizations: They may have an interest in education and can be partners in supporting schools through resources, internships, or community engagement initiatives.
Inclusive Policies and Practices: Develop and implement policies that promote equity and inclusion, addressing the specific needs of various groups, including students with disabilities, those from different cultural backgrounds, and those facing socio-economic challenges.
Professional Development: Provide ongoing training for faculty and staff on cultural competency, differentiated instruction, and best practices for supporting diverse learners. This helps ensure that educators are well-equipped to meet the varied needs of their students.
Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with community organizations and leaders to understand local needs and build partnerships that support educational initiatives and provide additional resources.
Support Services: Expand access to support services such as counseling, special education, and language assistance programs to help students and families overcome barriers to academic success.
Resource Allocation: Ensure that resources are distributed equitably, addressing areas of greatest need and supporting programs that benefit underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establish channels for regular feedback from students, parents, and staff to continuously assess and respond to the community’s needs and concerns.
Engage Local Organizations: Partner with community organizations such as nonprofits, cultural groups, and service providers to address local needs and enhance educational programs. For example, work with organizations that focus on youth development, family support, or educational enrichment.
Collaborate with Businesses: Develop relationships with local businesses to explore opportunities for internships, mentorships, and sponsorships. Business partnerships can provide additional resources and real-world experiences for students.
Connect with Civic and Faith-Based Groups: Engage with local civic organizations, faith-based communities, and other groups that play a role in the community. These groups often have a strong connection to families and can help support school initiatives or provide volunteer opportunities.
Work with Parent and Teacher Associations: Build strong connections with PTA/PTO groups and other school-related associations to better understand and address the concerns of parents and staff.
Hold Community Forums and Town Halls: Regularly host events to gather input from community members, share information about school board decisions, and foster open dialogue. This helps ensure transparency and build trust.
Utilize Digital Platforms: Use social media and other digital tools to communicate with the community, share updates, and solicit feedback. This approach can help reach a broader audience and engage with younger or more tech-savvy constituents.
Effective Communication: Clear, engaging delivery of content tailored to diverse learning styles.
Student Engagement: Interactive lessons that actively involve students and make learning relevant.
Differentiation: Adapting instruction to meet individual needs and abilities.
Assessment and Feedback: Regular, constructive feedback to guide student progress.
Classroom Management: Creating a positive, organized learning environment.
Professional Development: Continuous growth and adaptation to new educational practices.
Measuring Good Teaching includes:
Student Performance: Analyzing achievement data and project outcomes.
Student Feedback: Collecting input through surveys and interviews.
Peer Observations: Reviewing teaching practices through colleague observations.
Self-Reflection: Encouraging teachers to evaluate their own methods.
Parent Feedback: Gathering insights from parents about their child's learning experience.
Supporting Advanced Teaching Approaches involves:
Professional Development: Offering training on innovative methods and technologies.
Collaborative Learning: Facilitating teacher collaboration and idea exchange.
Resources and Tools: Providing modern educational tools and technologies.
Innovation Grants: Funding new instructional strategies and projects.
Recognition and Incentives:
Acknowledging and rewarding innovative teaching practices.
Advanced Technical Training: Introduce more robust STEM programs, including coding, robotics, and data science, to equip students with skills for the tech-driven job market.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Expand apprenticeship and vocational training programs that provide hands-on experience in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.
Environmental Science and Sustainability: Integrate courses on climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable practices to prepare students for roles in a green economy.
Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy: Offer programs that teach business fundamentals, financial management, and entrepreneurial skills to foster innovation and economic understanding.
Mental Health and Well-being: Incorporate curriculum elements that focus on mental health awareness, stress management, and emotional intelligence to support students' overall well-being.
Global Citizenship and Cultural Competency: Develop programs that emphasize global issues, cultural diversity, and international relations to prepare students for a connected world.
Innovative programming might include:
Project-Based Learning: Implement projects that require students to solve real-world problems collaboratively, fostering critical thinking and practical skills.
Blended Learning Models: Combine online and in-person instruction to offer personalized learning experiences and flexibility.
Maker Spaces and Innovation Labs: Create spaces where students can engage in hands-on, creative projects using modern tools and technologies.
Partnerships with Industry: Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations to offer internships, mentorships, and real-world projects.
Advocate for Increased Funding: Work with local, state, and federal legislators to advocate for more equitable and adequate education funding. Build coalitions with other educators, parents, and community leaders to amplify the call for increased support.
Diversify Revenue Sources: Explore alternative funding sources beyond traditional state and local taxes. This includes grants, partnerships with businesses, and fundraising initiatives. Seek out grants for specific programs, such as STEM education or mental health services.
Optimize Budget Allocation: Conduct thorough reviews of current budget allocations to ensure funds are used efficiently. Prioritize spending on critical areas such as classroom resources, teacher salaries, and student support services.
Enhance Community Partnerships: Develop strong partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to secure donations, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions.
These partnerships can provide additional resources and support for school programs.
Implement Cost-Saving Measures: Identify and implement cost-saving measures within the district, such as energy-efficient upgrades, bulk purchasing, and shared services with other districts to reduce expenses and reallocate savings to essential areas.
Promote Transparency and Accountability: Ensure that budgeting and spending processes are transparent and accountable. Regularly communicate financial status and needs to the community to build trust and support for funding initiatives.
Engage in Strategic Planning: Develop a long-term strategic plan that outlines funding goals and strategies. Regularly assess progress and adjust plans based on changing needs and financial conditions.
Prevention and Preparedness: Emphasize proactive measures to prevent incidents and ensure readiness. This includes implementing comprehensive safety plans, conducting regular drills, and fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance among staff and students.
Collaboration: Engage with law enforcement, emergency services, mental health professionals, and community organizations to create a coordinated approach to safety. Collaboration ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and can respond effectively to incidents.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensure that safety measures are inclusive and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or special needs. Safety plans should account for diverse needs and ensure that all students can safely evacuate or receive support in an emergency.
Mental Health Support: Recognize the importance of mental health in overall safety. Provide resources and support services for students and staff to address mental health issues, reduce stress, and create a supportive school environment.
Clear Communication: Establish clear communication channels for reporting safety concerns and emergencies. Ensure that information is disseminated promptly and accurately to all relevant parties, including students, parents, and staff.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update safety policies and procedures based on feedback, new developments, and lessons learned from incidents or drills.
Continuous improvement ensures that safety measures remain effective and relevant.
Empowerment and Training: Provide ongoing training for staff and students on safety procedures, emergency response, and conflict resolution. Empowering individuals with knowledge and skills enhances the overall safety and preparedness of the school community.
Access to Counseling Services: Provide on-site mental health professionals such as school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to offer support, conduct assessments, and provide therapy. Ensure these services are easily accessible to all members of the school community.
Mental Health Education: Implement programs that educate students, faculty, and staff about mental health issues, coping strategies, and the importance of seeking help. This can include workshops and seminars.
Crisis Intervention: Develop and maintain protocols for addressing mental health crises, including training staff to recognize and respond to signs of distress and providing immediate support and intervention.
Supportive Environment: Create a positive and inclusive school culture that promotes mental well-being. Encourage open dialogue about mental health and reduce stigma through campaigns and discussions.
Employee Assistance Programs: Offer confidential support services for faculty and staff, including counseling, stress management resources, and work-life balance support. Provide information about these services and ensure they are accessible.
Wellness Programs: Implement programs and activities that promote physical and mental wellness, such as mindfulness practices, stress reduction workshops, and physical fitness initiatives.
Flexible Policies: Develop policies that accommodate mental health needs, such as flexible leave options, reduced workloads, or accommodations for staff and students experiencing mental health challenges.
Regular Check-Ins: Encourage regular check-ins and feedback opportunities where students and staff can discuss their mental health needs and concerns. This can include surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one meetings.
Mental Health Support:
Current Policy: Evaluate existing mental health policies and services.
Proposed Change: Expand mental health resources and counseling services for students and staff. Implement regular mental health screenings and provide additional support programs to address the long-term impact of the pandemic.
Technology and Digital Learning:
Current Policy: Review policies related to technology use and remote learning.
Proposed Change: Update technology infrastructure and provide ongoing professional development for teachers in digital tools and online teaching methods. Ensure equitable access to devices and high-speed internet for all students.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
Current Policy: Assess existing safety and emergency response protocols.
Proposed Change: Strengthen protocols for handling future health crises, including more detailed plans for transitioning between in-person and remote learning. Increase training for staff on emergency procedures and health protocols.
Equity and Inclusion:
Current Policy: Examine current policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Proposed Change: Enhance policies to ensure greater equity in educational resources, opportunities, and support services. Develop programs to address achievement gaps and promote cultural competency among staff and students.
Community and Parental Engagement:
Current Policy: Review current engagement practices with parents and the community.
Proposed Change: Implement more robust mechanisms for involving parents and community members in decision-making processes. Increase transparency and communication regarding district policies, initiatives, and feedback opportunities.
Lack of Trades Academies:
Current Policy: Review why there are no trades in our academies.
Safe and Inclusive Atmosphere: A space where students feel physically and emotionally safe, and where diversity is respected and celebrated. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages active participation.
Engaging and Relevant Curriculum: A curriculum that is both challenging and relevant, integrating real-world applications and student interests. This helps maintain engagement and motivates students to learn.
Collaborative Spaces: Flexible classroom layouts that support various learning styles and group activities. Spaces that allow for both individual focus and collaborative projects can enhance learning.
Access to Resources: Availability of modern educational resources, including technology, libraries, and learning materials, to support diverse learning needs and enhance instruction.
Supportive Relationships: Strong, supportive relationships between students and teachers, where educators provide personalized attention and constructive feedback. Positive interactions with peers are also encouraged
Opportunities for Autonomy: Allowing students to have some control over their learning choices and encouraging self-directed projects can help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Holistic Development: Programs that address students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being, including access to counseling, extracurricular activities, and health services.
Adaptability and Innovation: A willingness to incorporate new teaching methods and technologies that meet the evolving needs of students and enhance learning outcomes.
Parental and Community Involvement: Opportunities for parents and community members to be actively involved in the educational process, fostering a collaborative approach to student development.
Health and Safety Measures: EGUSD implemented various health and safety protocols, such as remote learning transitions and hybrid models, in alignment with state and local guidelines. They provided personal protective equipment (PPE) and adjusted school environments to mitigate risk.
Remote Learning Transition: The district swiftly moved to remote learning and introduced digital platforms to facilitate education. They also provided technology and resources to students in need, although challenges with access and technology gaps were reported.
Communication: EGUSD communicated frequently with families and staff through updates, virtual meetings, and online resources. This helped keep the community informed, though some feedback suggested the need for more clarity and timely information at times.
Support Services: The district worked to provide support services, including mental health resources and free meals for students. However, there were concerns about the adequacy of support for mental health and the impact of extended remote learning on students’ well-being.
Future Improvements:
Enhanced Contingency Planning: Develop more detailed contingency plans for various scenarios, including better strategies for transitioning between in-person and remote learning based on evolving health data.
Mental Health and Well-being: Increase focus on mental health support, providing additional resources and counseling services to address the long-term impacts of the pandemic on students and staff.
Feedback and Adaptation: Strengthen mechanisms for gathering and responding to feedback from students, parents, and staff to continuously improve policies and practices.
Regular Communication: Establish clear and consistent channels for communication, such as newsletters, emails, and social media updates. Keep parents informed about school events, academic progress, and important decisions.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Encourage and facilitate regular meetings between parents and teachers to discuss student progress, address concerns, and set goals.
Engage in School Events: Invite parents to participate in school events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Their involvement can help foster a sense of community and strengthen ties between the school and families.
Create Feedback Mechanisms: Provide various ways for parents to give feedback, such as surveys, suggestion boxes, and focus groups. Actively listen to their input and make adjustments based on their concerns and suggestions.
Offer Support Services: Provide resources and support for parents, such as workshops on parenting, educational strategies, and navigating school systems. This helps empower parents to support their children’s education more effectively.
Build a Parent Advisory Council: Form a council or committee that includes parent representatives to offer input on school policies, programs, and initiatives. This ensures that parents have a voice in decision-making processes.
Show Appreciation: Recognize and celebrate the contributions and involvement of parents. Acknowledging their efforts can help build positive relationships and encourage continued engagement.
Attractive Job Listings: Create detailed and compelling job descriptions that highlight the benefits of working in the district, including professional development opportunities, supportive work environment, and community involvement.
Competitive Compensation: Offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract top talent. Regularly review and adjust compensation to stay aligned with industry standards.
Professional Development: Emphasize opportunities for growth and advancement within the district. Provide clear pathways for career progression and continuous learning.
Strong Recruitment Networks: Partner with universities, professional organizations, and job fairs to tap into a broad talent pool. Engage with educational and career development institutions to attract new graduates and experienced professionals.
Inclusive Hiring Practices: Implement inclusive recruitment practices that ensure a diverse applicant pool. Use bias-free language in job postings and consider diverse recruitment channels to reach underrepresented groups.
Positive Work Environment: Promote a positive and supportive work culture. Highlight testimonials from current staff and faculty about their experiences and the district’s commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.
Targeted Outreach: Reach out to potential candidates through targeted campaigns, networking events, and professional associations related to education and administration.
Effective Onboarding: Develop a comprehensive onboarding program that helps new hires integrate smoothly into the district. Provide mentoring and support to ensure they feel welcomed and prepared for their roles.
Financial Transparency: Ensures that public funds are used appropriately and efficiently. It involves clear and accessible reporting of how money is raised and spent, which helps prevent misuse and corruption. Transparency allows citizens to see how resources are allocated and assess whether they are being used to benefit the public.
Government Accountability: Involves holding public officials and institutions responsible for their actions and decisions. Accountability mechanisms, such as audits, oversight committees, and public feedback systems, help ensure that officials are answerable for their conduct and that their decisions align with the public’s interests.
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 1 |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 2, 2024
