Omg, an actual teacher running? AND she's a PAUSD mom? AND actually went to PAUSD herself? AMAZING!

I am one of the many families has been pulled my kids from Palo Alto's supposedly "great" public schools because, frankly, they aren't meeting the needs of many kids. The schools have gotten much weaker over the last ~10 years or so, which is hurting all kids. Kids and their families are fleeing the district.

When I talk to older parents with much grown kids, they're surprised that families are leaving so much. They don't understand how PAUSD has and is falling.

Both advanced kids and those who are struggling are getting left behind. Treating them all the same leaves the advanced kids bored, the struggling kids overwhelmed... and both disengaged, prone to act out, etc. Some of the privileged kids can compensate with tutoring, but (a) that's hardly a healthy solution [takes time away from other activities and doesn't deal with being boredom/overwhelmed at school] and (b) that's not accessible to underprivileged kids.

I'm saying this as a mom with two kids who ARE both advanced and struggling. PAUSD is ignoring their actual needs -- that's why we left for private school. EVERY kid deserves education at their level -- not just for their academic needs, but also for their emotional needs. My kids are not just learning more now, they are happier. The light in their eyes is back.

I am so excited to see Ms. Segal run. We need people like her who are getting involved because they understand the issues, have experience in education (and with PAUSD), and truly care -- not because it's some stepping stone to their career.

Oh please please please make this happen. Almost all children suffer under the one-size-fits-all model. No one is in the middle in all areas.

"Data shows that students of all levels need to be appropriately challenged in order to feel engaged, happy and supported, so I'm not in favor of a one-size-fits-all type curriculum," Segal said.

Very interesting. When was the last time an educator, parent and former student was on the PAUSD school board? It looks like a trifecta of perspectives when one person has experience as several different stakeholders in the schools.

I’m kinda impressed that someone with this level of insight is willing to step up for our schools. My friends and I are all a bit tired and jaded after the past few years.

What was Shana's stance on PAUSD School Board in-person school closures Aug 2020- March 2021 at the secondary level?

FINALLY!! a much needed candidate that is both highly qualified, a teacher and a parent, and hits at the core of what must change at PAUSD.

-- Build partnership and trust between families and district. There is nothing more important to students wellness than consistency and respect between the adults at home and school. The district's systemic disrespect to families, and even more so to foreign-born parents and their priorities, must be finally addressed.

-- The one-size-fits all does not work for our diverse students. Instead of broadening to serve diverse needs, also in light of demographic shifts, PAUSD K-8 program had been narrowed down to the point that it no longer suitable serves the majority of our students. This is very evident with math where most students supplement after school and data shows that most students are actually misplaced at school (are a year or more above or below their class level).

Shana understands this from every angle - as a current parent of kids in PAUSD, a previous student and the education she received, to her understanding as an educator herself. This is such a strong resume to help PAUSD serve children now.

There is no substitute for the experience and expertise Shana would bring to the PAUSD Board!

If we “broaden to serve diverse student needs”, the usual rabble rousers will point to ANY outcome disparities in race or sex as structural whateverism and we’ll be right back at the dumbing down via “equity and equal outcomes for all.” It’s time to embrace a meritocracy again. Not every kid is smart enough to be a Stanford engineer… and that is ok.

I believe having an educator and parent is the true answer to PAUSD district woes. Someone who has been in the classroom, taught students, designed curriculum, collaborated with teachers, students, and parents alike is in the right position to help all parties. I believe Ms. Segal can get the job done!

Shana will be great on the school board. So much passion and expertise on the issues a board member should deal with. You have my vote!

As a retired PAUSD Art teacher, I understand the challenges of meeting the needs of all students, academically, socially, and emotionally. Open communication between teachers , parents and administrators is key in order to make this happen. I have known Shana for many years. She is energetic and passionate both as a mom and an educator. She will be a valuable asset to the School Board.

Shana Segal has the experience necessary to bring a balanced perspective to the school board. Being a former student in PAUSD, and now a parent, she brings a caring and unique perspective. Her teaching experience at Lynbrook adds another dimension to her understanding of what is needed to bring success in the classroom. Based on the reviews by her former colleagues, Shana went the extra mile for her students and staff at Lynbrook so obviously she would bring that same energy to the school board where she is a parent. Shana also substitutes in the district so has a double motivation for success!

Thrilled to see a candidate who wants input from the community of parents and teachers and is data-driven. Over the last 5 years, it has felt like many decisions at PAUSD are based on gut feelings, but not data. I hope everyone will take the time to get to know Shana and support her campaign.