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Name: Jacob Yuryev
Years residing in the zone: 18
Key endorsements: Congressman Ro Khanna, District 17; CA State Senator Josh Becker, District 13; Former CA State Controller Steve Westly; San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3; San Mateo County Harbor Commissioner/Dir. Menlo Park Fire Board Member, Virginia Chang Kiraly; Las Lomitas School Board Trustee Paige Winikoff; Sequoia Union High School District Trustee Rich Ginn; San Carlos Councilmember Ron Collins; San Carlos Councilmember Adam Rak; San Carlos Councilmember Pranita Venkatesh; South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman; Belmont Mayor Julia Mates; Former Belmont Mayor Charles Stone; Former Pacifica Mayor Mike O’Neill; Former San Carlos Mayor Andy Klein; Sandra Lang, San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee District 1; John Levinson, San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee District 3 and Dan DeSmidt, Belmont Police Chief (Retired).
Campaign website: jacobforsuhsd.com
Questions:
1. What makes you the best candidate and what relevant experience do you bring?
I am the best candidate because of my familiarity and experience in the district. In my capacity as student trustee, I represented the voice of over 10,000 students from seven high schools. In this role I was not only present at every board meeting, but I was intricately involved in working with members of the Board on a broad set of initiatives to improve the district and the student experience.
2. What would be your top three priorities as a board member?
Opportunity for ALL Students
Student Health and Safety
A Transparent and Collaborative Board
3. What are some of the greatest challenges facing the district? What unique challenges is your trustee area facing?
The greatest challenge facing the district right now is ensuring that all students are provided with opportunities to succeed. In my trustee area specifically, making sure that the diversity of experience we have is embraced and students and/or families feel that the District hears and considers their concerns.
4. What class offerings or programs should the district consider adding?
The district should not only offer more thorough Honors course offerings for freshman and sophomore students, but we should also prioritize offering CTE courses and pre professional development programs. This would ensure that ALL students are provided the tools to succeed, no matter what their post-high school plans entail.
5. Teenagers across the country are struggling with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. How should the districts be addressing mental health in schools?
The key to addressing mental health issues in our schools is providing students with expansive resources to support their mental health. This includes providing access and funding for professional mental health experts, peer support opportunities, and the prioritization of education on mental health throughout our district.
6. What sets you apart from your opponents?
I am the only candidate in this race that has actual experience on the board. In my capacity as student trustee, I not only became extremely familiar with what works, but also what wasn’t working, and therefore, what needs to be changed. I also come into this race as a recent graduate of a Sequoia Union school and, as a result, have an unique insight into the student experience that my opponents do not have.
7. What is the most important issue the district is facing in the next five years and how will you address it?
The most important issue the district is currently facing is attracting retaining top instructors at all sites and focusing on fundamental academic and extracurricular achievement for our students.
8. What could the current school board be doing better?
The current school board needs to improve its communication and transparency with the community and all stakeholders. As a trustee, I will ensure that the board will be more accountable to the needs and desires of the parents and constituents of the district. I will also make sure that as a board we actively gather feedback on programs and initiatives to help guide our decision-making processes.
9. Anything else you would like to add?
As a trustee, I will work in common good faith for our students, community, and district to ensure that our schools are the best they can be.
