Phillip Chen

District: Walnut Valley Unified
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

The Arts have had a tremendous positive impact on my life. As a youth I would perform Wushu, which is a both a Chinese Martial Art and Performing Art. It taught me both discipline and team work and inspired me to be a life-long athlete. One of my proudest achievements is establishing the Wushu team at Cal State Fullerton, and watching it grow every year.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

The Walnut Valley Unified School District is one of the top performing districts in both the State and Nation. As a board member we have to work with all our partners in the community: parents, teachers, administrators, and faculty to ensure each student has the best resources to succeed.
As a Board Member I am proud to support expanding S.T.E.M. education to our K-12 students. Additionally, I have hosted College Tuition and Scholarship Preparation Workshops in the districts to help educate both students and parents on how to successfully transition from High School to College and beyond.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Board Members are stewards of the taxpayers, their job is ensure that tax dollars are being spent wisely in the classroom. I am proud of the work of our Board to both balance the budget and create a “rainy-day” fund to ensure that educational programs in the district are fully funded. We are also expanding S.T.E.M. education to ensure that students not only study the classics but are prepared to lead in the 21st century world that is rapidly changing and becoming ever more connected through technology.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

The Walnut Valley Unified School District is a low-wealth district this means that we do not receive our fair share of resources from the State of California This means we have to think outside the box to ensure our district continues to be one of the top performing districts in both the State and Nation We however have a very supportive and generous community partners such as the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and Walnut Diamond Bar Chinese American Parents Association that work hand in hand with our district to ensure our students have the tools and resources to be successful.

Governing Board Member

SEATS AVAILABLE: 2

Larry L. Redinger

District: Walnut Valley Unified
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

My family has always been involved in various elements in the visual and performing arts. Being part of the discipline and presentation provided me skills to excel in other areas of my adult life. Marching band, orchestra and media production with my sisters and other family members were elements of my youth that have shaped me.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

1) Class sizes appropriate to the subject.
2) Peer assistance within the various transition classes.
3) Quality environment to learn and study.
4) Role model presence.
5) Teaching staff with opportunities to staff development in career areas related to their subject area credentials.
6) Mini sessions for career learning.

We have fostered elements of the above to enhance success!

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Board members need to model what they believe and provide the stewardship for appropriate funding and community support for all of the Arts. Board members need to work with the various schools through the superintendent and district office to provide opportunities for the sites to develop well-rounded art, drama, dance, performance and media programs.
Invitations to professional and other success in those fields to visit our schools and classes have been a significant benefits to our students and teaching staff.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

WVUSD is a low wealth district as it relates to per student funding and we have a very difficult time making the dollars stretch to meet our needs in most areas Walnut is at the bottom of the list for funding but we have developed a very supportive and generous community base that has provided both leadership and supplemental funding to support the arts We have an extremely dedicated collection of talented and giving certificated and classified staff who go the extra mile with the students and community members to make sure our k-12 students have what they need.

Sean Monemi

District: Walnut Valley Unified
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

I enjoy watching opera and symphony orchestra music and dancing such as Ballet. My daughter has taken Ballet lessons. My son is playing violin and my daughter is playing piano. I love to watch them playing. I watched many Broadway shows and I can appreciate how much time and effort are put together in making such a beautiful art. I enjoy going to the art museum and watch the magnificent painting and sculptures. I believe and promote Science Technology Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM)

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

Student outcomes can be measured thru a proper assessment. Preparation for colleges can be achieved thru awareness, mentoring, tutoring and visitations to colleges are important.
We must close achievement gaps in all areas of performance through multi-disciplinary integrated and cross curriculum. We must provide the highest quality workshop-based professional training programs geared toward 21st century. We must sustain and continue development of a diverse culture of inquiry scholarship and continues improvement of all skills. We must develop and nurture globally aware and divers multi-culturally teachers, staff, parents and students. We must be connected, productive and engaged meaningfully in our communities.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Our mission is to educate each and every child to achieve her or his best potential. This mission can be achieved only in the context of the realities of our society and the world. In the turbulence time of social, economic, technological and geopolitical, the local school board’s responsibility is very challenging. Fortunately my background as an educator (Professor of Engineering), leader, and administrator has prepared me to take on this rewarding responsibility. I have served in different positions at Cal Poly Pomona University Committees involving in major issues and decision making.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

I will assist in teachers appropriately assigned in their subject area, credentials, facilities are in good condition. I will encourage to comply with the Implementation of the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State. I will promote Parental involvement. I will monitor the Pupil achievement, as measured by state. I will promote engaging Pupils in school attendance. I will be involve in School climate, suspension, expulsion, surveys. I will be involve in pupils have access to and are enrolled in a broad course of study including individuals with exceptional needs. Involve in assessment of the Pupil outcomes.