Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below.
Name: Brenda Smith
Age: 51
Current job title: Teacher
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Whittier
Campaign website or social media: BrendaSmith4ewcsd.com
What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
The top two needs of the district are class size and fiscal transparency. These will be addressed by advocating for small class sizes and supporting responsible allocation of resources that put students and staff first.
To you, what is the role of a school board in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
The role of a school board member is to provide leadership, oversight and accountability for the school district while keeping the best interest of students and community at the center of my decisions.
My responsibility is to set clear goals, establish sound policies, provide financial oversight, hold the superintendent accountable, and make sure the district is moving in the right direction.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I believe AI can be a valuable tool in K-8 education, but it must be used thoughtfully and responsibly. I would support the district using clear guidelines for age appropriate AI use, with student privacy and academic integrity as a top priority.
AI should help support teachers, not replace them, and it should enhance learning rather than becoming a substitute for students developing their own critical-thinking, writing, problem-solving and communication skills.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Schools can better teach and engage students in civil discourse by making respectful disagreements a regular part of learning, rather than something reserved for occasional lessons. Students need to be taught discussion skills, how to disagree respectfully, focus on evidence, all in a safe classroom environment.
Some school districts around California are recruiting teachers by building subsidized housing. How would you suggest your district could better attract — and retain — educators? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I believe attracting and retaining great educators starts with making sure they feel values, respected and supported.
As a board member, I will advocate for competitive compensation, but I also recognize that retention is about more than salary.
We need to look at class size, staffing levels, workload, student behavior support, professional development, and the resources teachers need to be effective in their classroom.
If we want the best educators to join EWCSD and stay here, we need to create schools where educators can focus on what they entered this profession to do: teach and make a difference in students’ lives.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
My experience in education includes serving as a Kindergarten Teacher, Second Grade Teacher, Intervention Teacher and TK Teacher, giving me firsthand experience supporting students with diverse learning needs and understanding the challenges educators face in the classroom.
I was honored to be recognized as Teacher of the Year, at Ocean View Elementary, reflecting my commitment to student success, collaboration, and excellence in education.
These experiences have given me a strong understanding of what students, teachers, and families need from their school board. As a board member, I will bring classroom experience, along with a commitment to listening, collaboration, and responsible decision-making, to the work of our school board.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
If my campaign had a mascot it would be an owl. Owls bring wisdom, listening, education and thoughtful decisions. Listen. Lead. Build a Strong Future.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
Declined to answer.