Kent Taylor Announces Candidacy for CJUSD Board

Grand Terrace resident Kent Taylor announced his candidacy for a two-year term to represent Grand Terrace and parts of Colton as trustee for the Colton Joint Unified School District’s (CJUSD) Area 3. Taylor has previously served on the CJUSD board for 12 years and is currently a superintendent of the Lennox School District in L.A. County. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from UCR, a master’s from Cal State San Bernardino and his teaching credential from the University of La Verne. “My day job as a superintendent helps provide the ‘Day 1 Ready’ knowledge that our students will need to provide them with an excellent education in their future,” Taylor said. Taylor shared that having two students in the district and one district graduate “helps me relate with concerns and have great empathy for parents in the district.” Taylor said he would draw on his experience as a superintendent and his training in district finance to benefit the district. Having worked as an instructional aide, a teacher and administrator, Taylor said, “These levels represent all of the levels of school district employees. I understand their needs and the needs of our students and I am willing to serve well.“ Taylor said he is running because he wishes to ensure students receive “an excellent education, which means preparing them for college from kindergarten through 12th grade,” something he will work to provide through access to technology, including iPads to enhance classroom instruction. Other goals for Taylor include student visits to colleges each year for elementary to high schoolers, professional development and “better compensation” for staff, and greater parental involvement as required through the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Parents will be treated as partners with regards to district programs and fund allocation, Taylor explained. “Parents know their students the best and are powerful tools for student success,” Taylor said. “We need to build strong solid partnerships with them.” Other candidates for the two year Area 3 seat are Jennifer Araiza and Francine Sandoval. Current representative Joanne Thoring-Ojeda will also run for the 4-year seat in this area.