Drescher has experience, innovative ideas needed in PUHSD

Paid political advertisement:

Through his years of experience as a teacher and educator, Chris Drescher has developed the knowledge and innovative ideas to help lead Perris Union High School District through challenging times.

Drescher, a candidate for the PUHSD Board of Education, holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. In addition to his credentials and experience as an educator, Drescher has 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner.

“My priority is the unification of the school site and to provide a safe environment that fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive outcome for all students,” he said. “If elected, I will work tirelessly with students, teachers, staff, parents, and administration to come up with safe solutions to engage our students beyond the classroom, to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students, and to support student success.”

Drescher said it is vital to get students back in the classroom and involved in campus activities immediately. He is prepared to lead efforts to better facilitate that process.

“Our kids are suffering,” he said. “Our teachers, parents, and students were not provided the proper training and resources to excel in distance learning. Teachers are trained to teach in the classroom, and it is extremely difficult to shift to another style without the proper resources. In addition, some families experience a digital divide, SPED and English Language Learners ultimately get left behind, and the lack of in-person educational options disproportionately harms low-income and minority children and those living with disabilities.

“In addition, school is more than just the classroom. We have kids who aspire to be artists, musicians, actors, athletes, and future leaders. It’s important to open schools so that our students can get a holistic education that goes beyond the classroom.”

Drescher also believes in enhanced counseling and support methods for students – many of whom have struggled emotionally during this difficult time.

“Counseling and mental health of students, teachers, and community need to be addressed,” he said. “Now is the time when school counselors are needed the most, but because of their massive, uncapped caseload size, they are not able to effectively engage with all their students. The district should be following the ASCA model for school counselors.

“The School District does not communicate enough with the public. This needs to change immediately. We need to see Facebook posts and more press releases. The District website needs more updates and the District does not do enough in sending out newsletters. Communication needs to be improved.”

If given the opportunity, Drescher said he will do his part to bring stronger leadership to the district.

“Once we have safety measures put in place, then we can all work together to regain normalcy,” he said. “The goal would be to reach this stage by Fall 2021. The district needs to improve on its communication and have the courage to make decisions that will lead us there.”