Across California, members of the CTA Family are rising to answer the call to public service – by running for election to school boards this November.

Seeking to bring their knowledge and experience about schools and education to school boards in their home communities, these education champions are stepping up to build the schools all students deserve as elected policymakers. We’ll be spotlighting a number of educators and CTA staff running for school board here at the digital home of California Educator as the November Election approaches.

Meet one of these education champions: Kathy Rallings, 18-year CTA field staff and health benefits specialist, who is running for re-election to the Carlsbad Unified School Board.

Why are you running for re-election?

For the past eight years, I have proudly served the voters of the Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD). My priorities have been to build partnerships and make responsible decisions for our students, parents, educators and community. I want to continue improving student achievement, school safety and encourage long-term strategic planning. I also want to see CUSD remain an award-winning district that recruits and retains highly qualified educators. Additionally, I want our district to continue to provide “Every Student an Extraordinary Education in an Inspiring Environment.”

What are your top priorities for the school district?

I am hoping that our district can reexamine budget priorities to focus on recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators, continuing sustainability efforts, improving school safety and student achievement.

What does it mean to you to support educators in your job and as a school board member?

As a board member, I have been able to help build partnerships that educate others on some of the larger issues impacting our public schools. It has been incredibly rewarding to bring my 26 years of experience in the education community to my home district to collaborate on these issues.

Website: www.re-electrallings.com; Facebook: @Re-Elect Rallings