Candidates stress reading readiness and classroom experience in interviews

Multiple candidates told the panel that reading readiness must be a central focus of district policy and that their classroom or library backgrounds give them relevant perspective.

Resident (speaker 10) said her years in education and work with teachers informed her view that students need a strong reading foundation. Marilyn (speaker 8), a 33‑year education employee who worked as a librarian and classified staff, said, "if you can't read good, you're not successful in math or you need a good solid reading basis," and argued for a distinct elementary voice on the board when an elementary representative leaves.