Voters in the Escalon Unified School District will see two candidates on the ballot vying for the Trustee Area 3 seat in November. Challenger Nicholas ‘Nick’ Caton, a Realtor/farmer, is seeking to replace incumbent Amy Bavaro in Trustee Area 3 (Van Allen) on the school board. The Times recently posed a few questions to the candidates, following are the questions and their responses. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
AMY BAVARO
Q: Why are you running for re-election to the school board?
A: As a Trustee of Escalon Unified School District these past four years, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to gain unique knowledge into the day to day operations of the district. In just a short time on the board, I feel that I have already made a significant contribution and would, respectfully, like to continue what we as a board have set out to do. And there is so much more that we can do for our children and our community, and having board continuity with strong leadership is a great step in that direction.
What do you see as the most important issues facing the district?
In my opinion, the budget is always the most important issue that we face as a board. As a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility, I am not afraid to ask the hard questions in order to provide the best educational opportunities for our students.
Briefly outline your qualifications for the position.
My family has been involved with Escalon School District for four generations. This wonderfully fulfilling calling started 11 years ago for me, when I originally jumped into the educational community and got involved with the school district when my oldest child started at Van Allen. I was a member of Van Allen and El Portal’s parents’ clubs, as well as Van Allen’s School Site Council prior to becoming a board member. Beyond serving four years on the Escalon School Board, as we already touched on, I have also sought to expand my network and knowledge base by attending numerous conferences and trainings. I have an accounting degree which helps me decipher the complexities of the district’s budget, and help evaluate the related fiscal challenges in order to find actionable solutions. And while serving as a trustee and as a parent, I have observed and evaluated all of our community programs and our facilities, which has enabled me to actively and proudly serve as a voice for the parents and community of Escalon.
Do you feel the district is doing a good job preparing students for life/careers after high school? If yes, how and if not, what needs to be done better?
Yes, I think that the district is on a good path. Escalon has implemented several pathways for their students in the subject of agriculture (a subject near and dear to this community), and we have recently implemented a new medical pathway this past year. We should endeavor to continue to add and supplement programs for our students in order to challenge them and better prepare them for life and careers after high school.
The district traditionally has been well supported by the community when they have sought bond measures for improvements. Where do you feel more work is needed on district facilities/sites to improve the learning environment?
The bond clearly states what the money can be used for and I have passionately supported the improvements that help facilitate and elevate our children’s learning environment. In the past four years, we have remodeled the classrooms at the high school (e.g., installed energy efficient AC/heating units, installed Wi-Fi throughout the school in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of technology, etc.). The next phase that I would like to focus on is upgrading our athletic facilities and Dent Elementary School’s facilities.
What do you see as the number one responsibility of yourself, as a board member, and the board as a whole?
I feel that the number one responsibility for me as a board member is and will always be the safety and education of our students. As a parent, I know that every child learns differently and they just may not fit into the typical cookie cutter profile, and we shouldn’t try to make them fit. Each student is unique and can bring something truly special to the community, which is why our number one goal should be to find the right educational path for that student so that they can grow. I recognize that the challenges and concerns of our students and community are ever-changing. As a board member, I hope that our district will continue to grow and evolve with our students and community, so as to meet their needs and support them in this crucial time of our children’s lives.
NICK CATON
Q: Why are you running for election to the school board?
A: As an EHS Graduate, I felt it was time for me to give more of myself to the community. The school district is the life blood of the community and has always been important to my family and myself. My experience with my four older children, who have graduated from EHS, provide a foundation and relationships to be an advocate and steward for our district. Currently, my wife (also an EHS grad) and I have two younger children that we will be preparing to attend schools in the district and as any normal parent, want what is best for our children. Being a lifelong resident, a parent, and alumni of Escalon, I am confident I will always be involved in our schools and school functions.
What do you see as the most important issues facing the district?
The disbursement of funds; a continuous evolution of expenditures that constantly bombard our state, county and district. Our campuses; our facilities need to be safe and in the best possible condition to create a positive learning experience for our students and a fair working environment for all of our employees. Lastly, while running in this election, I became alarmed and baffled by the number of parents that have or are considering pulling their children out of the Escalon School district, the incumbent being an example. I would like to tackle down to the root of the issue and look forward to continually improving our school. I look forward to being a part of a committee that looks into a resolution for such challenges.
Briefly outline your qualifications for the position.
Having an extreme vetted interest in our schools which is driven by the community of Escalon and being a concerned parent who is actively involved in the lives of my six children, four of whom have graduated from EHS and went on to college/careers is a driver in my qualifications to sit on the EUSD Board. Myself along with my wife, are Escalon graduates. Today, seven of my family members are enrolled in Escalon Unified. We are homegrown with the traditions of this town and EUSD. Being a local businessman, I can be an advocate for others in the community. I am highly visible within our community and easily approachable for others to voice their opinions and growing concerns within EUSD. Not one to shy away from being a steward I consider it to be one of my strong attributes. Our family has so much pride in our little town and our community. Escalon, our school district, and the community have given so much and shaped the lives of the ones dearest to me, I just want to give back.
Do you feel the district is doing a good job preparing students for life/careers after high school? If yes, how and if not, what needs to be done better?
The district is doing a great job in preparing students for careers after high school, but there is always room for improvement. Our Vocational Education needs to be supplemented. Not every student will be “college ready” but every student should be educated in an environment where they have the opportunity to succeed in a career. Exposing students to alternate career paths other than college should also be an option.
The district traditionally has been well supported by the community when they have sought bond measures for improvements. Where do you feel more work is needed on district facilities/sites to improve the learning environment?
I think our facilities are in constant need of improvement. Aging infrastructure across the district, the need for modernization and the speed of information that technology brings today, it is a constant battle to keep our facilities up to date. It is the district’s job is to give each student and teacher the most advanced options to create the best learning environment.
What do you see as the number one responsibility of yourself, as a board member, and the board as a whole?
My number one responsibility is first and foremost our students. The quality of the environment of which they learn in, the quality of the content of what they are learning, and who is teaching that content are of utmost importance. It is the work of the board of trustees to see that each student receives the best positive environment to succeed in their educational goals. The Board of Trustees must also ensure that the working environment for all of the district staff is fair and positive. District employees are visible to our students daily, and are the driving force that feeds our students’ education.
