Some people are just born to lead. This has to be why educators across the state are rising to serve their communities in the midst of multiple crises that threaten our collective health, safety and future prosperity. They’re campaigning for election like never before, finding new and creative ways to reach voters while maintaining safe social distancing and healthy practices.

We’re shining a light on some of these dedicated educators running for election during this chaotic time – leaders who are rising to defend our students and fight for the schools and community colleges they deserve. Here’s the next in this series: Ever Flores.

Ever Flores

Candidate for: Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education

Experience: 20 years as a school counselor in the Healdsburg Unified School District; prior to that, a paraprofessional providing academic advising, career guidance and social-emotional support to migrant students throughout Sonoma County; Healdsburg Area Teachers Association president.

Why: I want to bring the voice of an immigrant Latinx educator to the board of Santa Rosa City Schools. I want to make sure that every student has a voice and equitable access to education. The district has had a contentious relationship with its staff, and I will work to bridge this divide. I’ve watched the challenges teachers and students face, I have a solid understanding of the finances, and I feel I can be a stable voice of reason to make sure that all students can succeed.

Top issues: Counseling support for all students, especially those who are at risk of not succeeding. Full funding for appropriate support for all students including English learners to graduate in the context of the new “a-g” graduation requirements. Fair and competitive wages and health benefits for all teachers and classified staff, so that Santa Rosa City Schools becomes a destination district for our region’s most talented educators and education support professionals.

Distance campaigning: Primarily literature drops, followed up with texts, phone calls and mailers. I also participated in online forums and am planning a social distancing house party in a supporter’s backyard.

Choosing to lead now: Too many students lack access to adequate resources and support. Specifically, I believe that adequate services must be provided at the elementary level, so that all Santa Rosa students have a fair shot at success. Currently, there seem to be significant inequities between elementary and secondary schools in our district. Also, COVID-19 has highlighted the inequities that many of us knew existed, such as access to small class sizes, bullying and equity technology.

Website/social: EverFlores.org; Facebook page: Ever Flores 4 School Board