As a candidate for OBSD School Board Director #1, I have had the opportunity to talk with so many of you and hear your perspectives on our schools. Last Wednesday, Sept. 13, we held a meet and greet at the Long Beach Train Depot where I again heard people’s questions and thoughts. I want to thank all who attended and shared their ideas on how we can improve our schools.

Throughout the many conversations I’ve had with parents, current and former teachers/staff, community leaders, and a wide spectrum of voters, I have consistently heard three areas of needed improvement: 1) Increasing student achievement; 2) Creating meaningful community engagement; and 3) Establishing clear, broadly owned goals.

Student achievement is a big topic, but to me, the best indicator of student success is on-time graduation rate. Our on-time graduation rate has been less than 72% the past two years. Prior to that, the low 80% range was our best. Other schools in Pacific County are almost always much closer to or at a 90% on-time graduation rate (even during the pandemic).

Additionally, people regularly shared that they don’t have a real voice in school decisions. The April 2022 facility bond is consistently brought up as an example. The resulting 75% no vote is what people point to, even from strong school supporters. Despite this resounding signal, a year and a half later there has been no attempt to engage the voters (beyond a select few) in this important community conversation despite encouragement to do so.

Lastly, the district has no clear goals that are broadly developed with stakeholders. I have three decades of school experience and a history of engaging stakeholders to develop broadly owned goals that people can believe in. It is the school board’s responsibility to listen to all stakeholders, work with the superintendent to create a plan and establish clear benchmarks for success. I am stepping forward to volunteer as your voice on the board. With your help and vote on Nov. 7, we can start to put the “public” back in our public schools for our students’ success.

MARK MANSELL

Ocean Park