|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Deena Kaplanis, a Livermore parent and business owner, is running for a seat on the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Education for the second time, following up on her bid from two years ago.
Her top priorities as board member would be to improve the district’s test scores in English and math; boost student-readiness for college, careers and life; enhance school safety and improve communication in the district.
Coming from the public school system, Kaplanis told Livermore Vine, “I am running for a position as Livermore School Board trustee in order to give our youth, families, teachers, staff, and community members all of the support I received, and to ensure students have a future with every opportunity to reach their goals.”
Kaplanis is racing against five other candidates for two at-large seats on the Board of Education. Competitors include Tara Boyce, Jean Paulsen, Amanda Pepper, Margarita Tufts and Christiaan VandenHeuvel.
In addition to improving academic outcomes, Kaplanis said she wants to see schools install power locks and cameras to improve safety and she wants to introduce meditation and wellness courses for students to address mental health struggles.
Another of her priorities is analyzing ways to launch more courses and pathways for students interested in trade industries. She said she intends to combine her personal experience and years in business and volunteering to bring her goals to fruition.
“I offer a multifaceted perspective for this position, drawing from my professional and educational background: my multi-ethnic heritage, my involvement as a parent in our community and schools, and my success as a business owner,” Kaplanis said.
She holds a doctorate degree in chiropractic medicine and runs her own private practice. In total, she’s worked in the medical field for over 20 years.
Through 15 years of being a business owner, she said she has accumulated experience in leadership, teamwork communication, accountability, finance and more. In addition to work, she has spent years volunteering in an effort to give back community support she’s received.
“As someone from a multiethnic family, who grew up in a minority community, I have seen how relationships and unity can motivate a young student to achieve their dreams,” Kaplanis added.
She began volunteering in her sister’s classroom for the special education mild-to-moderate program at Croce Elementary School in 2010.
Now she volunteers and participates throughout the district for events including back-to-school nights, book fairs, field days, holiday boutiques and family nights. She is also an active PTA board member and regular participant in the district’s Parent Club Information Council and school board meetings.
She completes additional volunteering for her children’s sports teams and local organizations that help provide food and shelter to the community.
Kaplanis is endorsed by the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Alameda County, BART Police Officers Association and Rachael Snedecor, former executive director of Livermore Downtown Inc.
“I deeply care about people and serving Livermore’s students, families, teachers, and staff,” she said. “Being that my children, their many cousins, and so many others that I love in Livermore are school-aged, I see them as the future generation of leaders, workers, and contributors to society.”
To learn more about Kaplanis and her campaign, visit drdeenak4lvjusd.com.
