READY FOR FRESH LEADERSHIP

A CRADLE-TO-CAREER MINDSET TO MEET THE MOMENT

A distinguished civic and community leader, Mer has both the knowledge and the local and state networks to support ESUHSD in leveraging resources and funding that lead to improved student outcomes, even during the challenging times we find ourselves in.

ESUHSD is the largest high school district in Northern California and the seventh largest in the state with 11 high schools, 12 charter schools, five alternative schools, and one adult school.

A graduate of Piedmont Hills High School, from the class of 2000, Mer is excited to serve ALL East Side students by representing Trustee Area #1, the Alum Rock community!

Mer’s Vision for ESUHSD

  • Stabilize District Finances

    I want to stabilize district finances during these uncertain times and strengthen trust in school governance.

  • Uplift Student Outcomes

    I will work to improve outcomes for all students, not just some, by fixing disparities in academic and career preparation.

  • Expand Economic Mobility

    I am committed to economic mobility, ensuring that the families who made San Jose strong can afford to stay and succeed here.

ESUHSD deserves leadership that understands how to leverage local and state investments to improve high school, college, and career outcomes for students.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of investments available to districts like ESUHSD:

Every family deserves the opportunity to send their children to an affordable postsecondary program for a degree, certificate, or license.

  • CalKIDS Child Savings Accounts - Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides each child born in California and eligible low-income 1st through 12th grade public school students with up to $1,500 for college education and career training.

Every school district deserves to understand, and learn from, the trajectories of their students, from cradle to their careers.

  • San Jose Children & Youth Services Master Plan - “All children and youth deserve to grow up with the confidence that their race, ethnic, or socio-economic background, family history, LGBTQIA+ identify, developmental disabilities, or zip code -- that none of these factors, taken together or alone, will be a barrier to accessing resources and supports, and to achieving their dreams and full potential.

  • Cradle-to-Career Data System - A statewide longitudinal data system that provides tools to help students reach their goals and delivers information on education and workforce outcomes.

  • Master Plan for Career Education - Will address the pain points that have made it challenging for Californians to learn–and get credit for– the skills they need for rewarding, living wage work.

Every student deserves to have a plan after they graduate from high school. 

  • CaliforniaColleges.edu - California’s state-funded, comprehensive, digital platform with the tools students need to develop their college and career plans, available at no cost to students, educators, and parents/guardians in public school districts.

    • For STUDENTS: Explore college and career options, launch their college and financial aid applications, and access financial aid lessons—all on one site

    • For EDUCATORS: Utilize data-driven guidance and streamline student support

    • For PARENTS/GUARDIANS: View and monitor their child’s progress and access information on career planning, college options and applications, and financial aid