Moore to represent District 5 within the board of trustees

The results are in. After an extremely close race for the Mariposa County Unified School District school board, Jenni Moore was the victor over Toni Southwood by a mere 25 votes.

The only race for school board was within District 5, which involved Moore and Southwood. Incumbent Bob Collins did not seek reelection for that seat.

Because of the recently changed voting procedures, only voters in District 5 casted ballots. After all votes were counted, the totals were Moore with 906 and Southwood with 881.

“Overall education is critically important, especially public education,” said Moore.

“I want all children to feel safe, supported and acknowledged at school.”

Having graduated from Fresno State in 2014, Moore is a licensed clinical social worker who believes there’s still a lot to learn.

“We’re constantly learning and gathering information,” she said.

“It’s about caring about people and having the willingness to hear other peoples’ perspectives.”

Over the past year, there have been some difficult and somewhat divisive topics of conversation within the school board and the community.

“It’s about continuing to prioritize education,” Moore said.

“If we can work together, we’ve got a good group of differing perspectives who represent the community.”

It’s important to have multiple perspectives within the board.

“Even with the differences, I try to treat people with respect,” Moore explained.

“It’s okay to disagree and my hope is that we can work things out for the common goal.”

In addition to difficult topics of conversation, prioritizing where the district’s money is being spent is another important aspect to take into account.

From Moore’s perspective, the California School Board Association (CSBA) has provided legally vetted board policies that are already in place.

As of May, the district had spent just over $8,600 in legal fees alone regarding the controversial science instruction policy 6142.93.

“It’s going to be financially hard for the district over the next few years,” Moore said.

“I think we can be mindful about prioritizing where spending is happening,” said Moore.

“It’s about education and working together.”

For Moore, it’s not about one or two specific topics or issues.

“I hope that we can look at things holistically,” she said.

“When it comes down to it, every issue ties together.”

Things such as bullying, mental health, physical health and safety all tie together in many ways.

“There’s not a single item and we need to ensure we’re not targeting any children over any issues,” continued Moore.

“If kids aren’t safe, they can’t learn; so much is lost. Safety and stability at school are good for learning but also better for lifelong health.”

Along with working together, focusing on education and ensuring all kids feel seen, safe, supported and acknowledged, Moore hopes to contribute to community connection.

“I would like it to be a space where all members of the community know they’re heard, valued and it’s demonstrated,” Moore said.

She then explained her appreciation for Southwood.

“I want to recognize throughout all of this, Toni and I have had the same positive, respectful outlook,” explained Moore.

“Half of the voters voted for Toni and my hope is that those people in the community know I’m going into this supporting their children; all means all.”