2020 Election: San Diego school board candidates Sharon Whitehurst-Payne and LaWana Richmond

The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board interviews San Diego school board candidates incumbent Sharon Whitehurst-Payne and LaWana Richmond, ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

[@jundead3050]

This discussion has disappointingly few views, but I really appreciate you guys doing this, SDUT!

[@TsuruchiBrian]

At the 25:50 mark, the man in the middle box (I believe his name is Chris Reed), asked a question suggesting that the school district cares more about adult employees than children because they used some money for teacher raises rather than spending the money directly on students.
I don't really know much about the specific circumstances he is referring to, but I'd like to make a point on this general topic.
I'm not sure what is even meant by spending money directly on students. Clearly it doesn't mean giving them cash. So what does it mean? New books, computers, buildings? I would argue that what is more important than all those things to the education of children is the teachers. In my opinion, raising teacher salaries would have the greatest impact on improving education. Computers and fancy new buildings are great, but I'd forego those things in favor of a well compensated teacher who feels motivated and valued.

[@traviskemp8391]

Excellent point.

[@breewarth3925]

I have watched most of the videos that have been put out by Union-Tribune covering the various local candidates. I find them to be super helpful in their deep diving questions, with the exception of this man's questions. They tend to be randomly shot into the conversation and are done so in a leading, aggressive way. I feel like they are grounded in a narrow viewpoint. Just my two cents...

[@TsuruchiBrian]

@@breewarth3925 I agree. I've watched like 3 so far, and that is my impression too. I think it is important to have a variety of viewpoints represented, but surely there is a way to express what I infer his point is without so much contempt.

[@traviskemp8391]

Both very impressive candidates with deep experience and insightful things to contribute to the conversation. Thanks for doing this.

[@freedeliveryprinting3100]

I just needed to see the face behind "stupid". Hey folks, Free Speech is alive and well and if anyone is offended by my comment then reflect on the fact that Free Speech is not relegated to kind words only.