Dara Czerwonka
For Escondido Union High School District – Area 4
As a dedicated leader with over a decade of experience, Dara Czerwonka is committed to ensuring a quality education for every student in Escondido. Support her vision for safe, successful schools.
Vote Dara Czerwonka for Escondido Union High School District – Area 4!
Vote for Dara Czerwonka – A Fresh Vision for Escondido’s Education
A Fresh Vision for Escondido’s Education
It’s time for a new approach to educating our students in Escondido. My vision is shaped by 25 years as a leader in health and human services, eight years of elected public service—half of which was on a school board—and hands-on experience within the district schools as both a contracted service provider and a parent of two enrolled children.
With a proven track record in leadership and community service, Dara is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system that benefits every student. Discover how you can be part of this transformative journey.
Why Investing in Our Schools Matters
A Message from Dara Czerwonka
Hello and thank you for visiting my page to learn more about me, my campaign and what I will do for you as a governing board member of the Escondido Union High School District. Many people wonder why its important to care about the school districts in Escondido, especially if they have no children enrolled. I love that question!
The short answer is that by investing in good schools, you are investing in the overall quality of life for all of Escondido, North County and the larger region! If our schools are good, families will be attracted to Escondido. Think about property values in the areas around us; people move there for the schools! When people want to live here, property values go up and businesses open to meet the needs of residents. They then go on to hire a skilled workforce and the benefits continue.
Good schools focus on inclusivity, equity and community engagement. That enhances the moral fabric of communities. Students come to value cooperation, respect for diversity and their responsibility as citizens and residents. Good school systems help communities to have lower crime rates and more consistent employment.
I invite you to keep reading and see how together we can be part of the education solution!
Issues
There are many challenges that we are facing as a high school district. These are not new, however, they require new approaches for effective solutions.
Our current school policies and practices have produced poor outcomes for our students.
- Less than one-third of our students meet proficiency in English!
- Less than one-fourth of our students meet proficiency in Math!
Current Policies / Poor Results
The efforts of the current Board are failing.
- The current English and Math proficiency scores are worse than the previous years!
- Student scores are worse despite significant extra covid-money resources!
Current Board Challenges
Parent and community involvement is rejected!
- Despite asking for parent and community input on the next Superintendent hire, the Board did not do even a basic fair search but, instead, selected their colleague, the immediate past chair and board member to serve as the new Superintendent!
- Despite validated recommendations of educators and experts on a new curriculum, the board created and staffed a new committee to create their own curriculum!
Strengthening Community
It’s Time for a New Aproach To Educating Our Students
Good schools focus on inclusivity, equity and community engagement.
That enhances the moral fabric of communities. Students come to value cooperation, respect for diversity and their responsibility as citizens and residents. Good school systems help communities to have lower crime rates and more consistent employment.
Important Key Elements for Ensuring High-Quality Education
What do you think are the most important elements to ensuring a high quality education for all of Escondido’s high school students?
Effective Educators and Support Staff
Skilled, passionate, and well-resourced teachers are the foundation of a good education.
Rigorous and Relevant Curriculum
A high-quality curriculum should be challenging, engaging, and align with both state standards and real-world applications.
Student Support Systems
This includes providing free meals to students, relevant academic advising, mental health services or referral, tutoring, career-prep programs and other such supports. Schools that foster a supportive environment are better equipped to address the unique challenges students face both inside and outside the classroom.
Engaged Leadership
Perhaps the most important role of the school board is to hire and support a high quality Superintendent that designs and advocates for practices that promotes student success.
Safe and Inclusive Environment
EUHSD students need to feel safe, respected, and included to thrive. Schools must prioritize both physical safety measures and efforts to cultivate a culture of respect and inclusion, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, feel valued.
Parental & Community Involvement
Active participation from parents and the
community improves the learning environment.
Access to Technology & Resources
Schools must provide up-to-date devices, internet access, and integration of technology into every classroom.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities are crucial for student development. They provide opportunities for leadership, teamwork, creativity, and personal growth, all of which support academic learning.
Individualized Learning Approaches
Recognizing that students have diverse learning needs, strengths, and interests, high-quality education includes personalized learning strategies.
Continuous Assessment and Improvement
Regular assessment of both student progress and teaching effectiveness is important for maintaining educational quality. This includes holistic assessments that measure critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional skills.
Featured News
Escondido voters to decide council, school board, sales tax
August 28, 2024
ESCONDIDO — Voters in Escondido will soon decide on key positions and a sales tax measure in the upcoming fall election. The ballot will include two City Council seats, four school board seats, and a proposed sales tax increase.
The election for City Council will cover Districts 3 and 4. Read more…
Empowering Better Education for Escondido
About Dara Czerwonka
As a dedicated community leader, I have significantly impacted Escondido’s students by increasing available college scholarships for graduating seniors and expanding sports offerings at a district high school. And, I am not even an elected board member yet!
Through the Rotary Club of Escondido, I successfully raised additional funds for scholarships and personally led efforts to expand the high school sports program, securing approval for a track team. This will enable many students to pursue athletic opportunities and achieve success at both the state level and beyond.
Dara’s executive role with Girls Inc. demonstrated her ability to unite local businesses to provide girls with essential career skills, furthering her mission to empower young people.
Dara’s efforts to create a track team at Del Lago High School highlight her dedication to expanding opportunities for student athletes and increasing their chances for related college scholarships.
Vote for Dara to bring a blend of experience, passion, and unwavering dedication to the Escondido Union High School Board.
Join Dara Czerwonka in her mission to transform the educational landscape of Escondido Union High School District.
Leadership You Can Trust!
There are many characteristics, skills and experiences that make me the best candidate for this office.
Experience:
- Previous school board elected service for San Pasqual Union District
- Executive management coach helping executives effectively run
organizations and companies. - Previous School Site Council member
- Parent of two enrolled children in one of the district high schools
- An earned Masters degree with a policy focus
- Executive of an organization that provided services in district high schools
- Former leader for college access for first generation children
What I have Accomplished So Far:
- Increased available scholarships for college for Escondido graduating seniors;
Through the Rotary Club of Escondido, I chaired a committee that awards college scholarships to some of Escondido’s most promising seniors. When I took on this role, I challenged my club to raise more money for these purposes, and personally succeeded in raising funds to award additional scholarships!
- Expanded the sports offerings at one of the district’s high schools; As a parent of two cross country runners, I learned that their district high school had been unable to win approval to start a track team even though it is the necessaryspring sport to the already existing Cross Country team. Without a year-round running program, the opportunity for these students to win college scholarships was significantly limited. I worked directly with the district Superintendent to win approval. That success has resulted in a robust running program at Del Lago propelling numerous runners to the State meet and individual runners to area victories.
Missions & Values
Dara Czerwonka’s mission is to help every student reach their potential and open doors to their brightest future. Driven by a genuine passion for education, she focuses on creating dynamic, supportive learning environments where students thrive. Her dedication is fueled by her belief that every child deserves a chance to excel, and her track record of fostering community collaboration and effective solutions speaks for itself. Vote for Dara Czerwonka to bring a spirited advocate to the Escondido Union High School Board who will champion every student’s journey to success.