Five Questions for Lupe Ramirez, Candidate for Carson City School Board Trustee District 1

In March, all candidates for local and state positions filed their intention to run for office, in everything from the senate to the school board.

The 2022 Nevada Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 14.

Early Voting begins on Saturday, May 28 and runs through Friday, June 10.

The 2022 Nevada General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8.

Early voting begins on Saturday, October 22 and runs through Friday, November 4.

Each candidate will be asked five questions relating to their position as a part of the Five Question series from Carson Now.

Lupe Ramirez is running for Carson City School Board Trustee for District 1.

1) What is the greatest challenge our schools are facing currently?

I believe the greatest challenge our schools are facing is the deficit in funding. Our schools are not able to provide the students additional support because they don’t have the appropriate resources to meet their needs. As a result, the students are struggling. Additionally, the teachers and support staff are picking up additional responsibilities and/or working longer hours without any pay increase.

2) What do you think is the solution to that challenge?

I believe being more vocal with the legislators about our needs in our schools and the communities we serve. A large percentage of our students are first-generation and/or students from underserved populations. Our minority student population is approximately 50 percent. We need to present to the legislators student testimonials so they can hear it directly from them. We also need to put more accountability on the students. They need to learn how to advocate for themselves and also put their best effort into getting their work done to avoid putting additional work on their teachers. Finally, I believe parents should be asked to be part of the team and should volunteer in the classrooms for a certain number of hours each semester. Parents’ involvement is critical in the student-success component. I think the district needs to be more creative in seeking for ways to truly involve the parents in their children’s education.

3) What is the best decision the Carson City School Board has made in the past year, and why?

Definitely supporting the superintendent’s plan to bring the students back into the classrooms after the restrictions of Covid-19 were lifted. The students were able to reconnect with their teachers who are the key players in the classroom. They were also able to socialize with their peers which is probably what students missed the most.

4) What in your background makes you an ideal candidate for the school board?

I was fortunate to work in higher education for 32 years where I was able to pursue my educational dream and attain a bachelor’s degree. Throughout the last 12 years, my focus became increasing student success. I am especially grateful that I was given the opportunity to develop the Latino Leadership Academy. The academy supported first-generation Latinos that didn’t believe they were academically prepared to attend college full-time straight out of high school. Not only were the students able to recognize the skills they possessed, but they completed a college degree in a timely manner.

Additionally, the graduation rates from the participants of the academy exceeded the overall graduation rates among all students from the institution. That being said, I am a firm believer that all students can succeed if we provide them with the right support. I plan on continuing to focus on student success if I am granted the opportunity for a second term in the School Board.

I also believe our students should be challenged by encouraging them to participate in dual-enrollment programs while they are in high school. For example, my daughter benefited from the Jump Start program and as a result, she’s finishing a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Construction Management from UNR at the age of 21. Her discipline and leadership skills that she attained from Jump Start contributed to seeking for opportunities that opened doors toward a brighter future. I was able to see the benefits of supporting a student throughout their educational career first-hand and I want to give that same opportunity to all students so they can reach their highest potential.

5) What is the top priority project or idea that you like the school board to implement in the next five years?

We recently attended the National Association School Board Conference and learned about best practices to enhance our dynamics in our schools. I was fascinated about an idea on how to appreciate our teachers and our support staff in a more meaningful way. We know they are the ones impacting the students on a daily basis, and as a member of the Board, I would like us to be more proactive in showing our gratitude for all their hard work.