ISD #196 School Board Member Choose 3
School board members oversee the care, management, and control of schools. This includes hiring, firing, and overseeing superintendents, who manage the day-to-day affairs of the district. They also set levies to fund the district and create school policies.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-school-boardIf your candidate didn’t fill in the guide below, visit the Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing site to find contact info. If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from the LWVMN!A forum for this race was held on September 30, 2025 - watch the recording.
Biographical Information
telephone
6123562858
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578058060185
Campaign Email
robinceriofor196@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I bring both proven experience and a clear vision for our schools. I have a track record of celebrating student success while also addressing challenges like the achievement gap and graduation rates. I listen carefully, work collaboratively, and make decisions based on what will best serve all students, families, and educators. My focus is on building a school system where every student has the opportunity to thrive, and I will bring the dedication, transparency, and accountability needed to make that happen.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Close the Achievement Gap: Being proactive; make sure resources are equitable, build strong connections between students & staff, & tailor learning to meet students where they are.
Celebrate Diversity: Representation in curriculum, staff, & programs helps students feel like they belong and that their stories matter.
Improve Graduation Rates: We need to make sure students leave our schools confident & prepared, whether headed to college, a trade, the military, or straight into a career.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
My strategy in a budget shortfall would be to safeguard student learning while working transparently with staff, families, and community members. I’d seek efficiencies and reduce costs outside the classroom first. Together, we can make thoughtful decisions that reflect our shared values while protecting opportunities for every student.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
The rich diversity of our community must be embraced in our schools. I’ll fight for equitable funding, representation in staff and curriculum, and inclusive practices that affirm every student’s value. Disparities must be confronted directly so all students can thrive.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Teachers and families are essential partners in decision-making. I’ll create opportunities for meaningful discussion, listen to their perspectives, and ensure their input guides choices that impact students’ learning and success.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
telephone
6512351349
Facebook (Full URL)
http://facebook.com/votemohamed4isd196
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I am uniquely qualified to serve because I bring a blend of governance experience, public finance expertise, and personal passion for education. I have proven experience, a deep commitment to public education, and a track record of collaborative leadership. As current ISD 196 board member, former treasurer, clerk and with various committee assignments, I have helped hire a superintendent, approve critical funding, expand safe school facilities, and advocate for programs that diversify our teacher workforce. With 20+ years in public finance, I offer strong fiscal oversight and accountability. As a refugee, parent of 6, & son of teacher, I bring a parent perspective rooted in equity, belonging, and a passion for ensuring every child succeeds.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top priorities for 2nd term are:
1. Educational Excellence – continue to advocate for secure and stable funding to address rising costs, expand mental health resources, and strengthen student support.
2. Teacher & Parent Partnership – put students first by supporting educators and amplifying parent voices in decisions.
3. Equity & Representation – continue to support district initiatives that diversify staff, close opportunity gaps, and ensure all students can thrive.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
I would put focus on a transparent, student-centered approach — engaging stakeholders early, protect classrooms and instructions, and core learning/student-facing programs; prioritize critical district needs and equity. I would review data, operational efficiencies, and minimize harm to student outcomes, while advocating for stable, adequate state funding to prevent long-term harm to education quality. My public finance background equips me to help make data-driven decisions to minimize impact.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I would continue to support district priorities to expand programs that diversify our educator workforce, strengthen culturally responsive teaching, and provide targeted support to students who face barriers. Equity means every student has the tools to succeed, regardless of background. I will work to close opportunity gaps through data-informed decisions and by listening to families most impacted and educators with expertise in supporting students.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I read our district’s diverse advisory committee meeting minutes for informed-decisions. I will continue to actively seek educator and family input through on-agenda communication request board meetings, listening sessions, surveys, and school visits, and ensure their voices shape board decisions. Trust is built through transparency and collaboration. I will continue being accessible, listening with empathy, and advocating for solutions that reflect the needs of our entire school community.
Biographical Information
Contact Phone
858-692-8666
Campaign Email
tracey@traceyplante.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I am the best school board candidate because I bring deep educational expertise with my Ed.D. and more than 20 years in education, from classroom to site to district leadership. My data-driven approach through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) experience and research background ensures evidence-based decision-making based on multiple data sources. My equity focus through cross-cultural education and ESL training shows commitment to all students. I possess strong systems thinking from multi-district experience and exceptional collaboration skills through union work and coaching training. My student-centered approach and ability to bridge classroom reality with district insight means I create policies that work.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
I will work to implement school safety and security measures such as building upgrades, anti-bullying and discrimination policies, and mental support services for students and staff members. Next, I will address the achievement gap so all students thrive as leaders in educational settings where rigorous, culturally responsible curriculum is implemented. And, I will ensure that more community stakeholders and families have opportunities to have a voice in budget management and funding.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
To avoid any cuts, I will generate new revenue through facility rentals to more community groups and businesses. I will seek grants from the community, state-wide, and national stakeholders in education and career-related fields. Since schools need to be adequately staffed to ensure all students succeed, if personnel cuts are necessary, I will address administrative efficiency by consolidating administrative positions and reducing central office staff.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I will ensure all students have equal opportunities regardless of background, addressing achievement gaps, and providing inclusive educational environments. To support this, teachers and staff members will have opportunities for professional development and instructional coaching as both factors are tied directly to student achievement and overall success. By honoring anti-racist and anti-sexist policies, students and staff will flourish in an institution of success and support.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I favor both open and closed forums for school boards. Therefore, I am open to hearing the concerns of teachers, families, students, and community stakeholders as their voices are essential for the future of our school district and community. Also, I am open to communicating one-on-one or with a smaller group should a family or community member request that. As more people invest in our district's decision-making processes, our school district will continue to flourish with opportunities.