Where Jennifer Mak stands on the issues facing Torrance Unified, answered in her own words. Each one links to her full answer.
Students don’t fail in ninth grade all of a sudden. Jennifer explains why success starts in TK and elementary school, and why teaching to the state standards from kindergarten on is the answer.
Read her full answer“We taught it” is not the same as “they got it.” The three things Jennifer looks for before any textbook reaches a TUSD classroom.
Read her full answerJennifer’s advice as a principal and as a mom: know the grade-level standards, and read with your child every single night.
Read her full answerThree things every parent can do: start with the teacher, ask for a student success team meeting, and ask about extra help. And why a late bloomer is nothing to be afraid of.
Read her full answerA question a parent asked Jennifer more than 20 years ago, and how she wants TUSD to support families of students with special needs.
Read her full answerNot in elementary school. Jennifer explains why the early years should stay hands-on, and where AI does belong in middle and high school.
Read her full answer“Once a teacher, forever a teacher.” A higher starting salary, raises that reach take-home pay, and real support for a 24/7 job.
Read her full answer“If we don’t believe in them, how are they going to have a chance?” What a Title I school, eleven struggling schools and sixteen principals taught Jennifer about leading.
Read her full answerFour conversations with educators, from Long Beach State to El Camino to a TUSD high school, and the question they left her with.
Read her full answerStart with the data, ask teachers and parents, and hold every dollar to one question. What 10 years of building a school budget means for approving the district’s.
Read her full answerJennifer’s campaign theme is Excellence for the Next Generation: Raise the Bar. Her priorities are to put students first, empower educators and leaders, and strengthen family and community partnerships. See her priorities, or read her full answers on Ballotpedia.