Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Dina Nguyen
Current job title: Governing Board Member, Garden Grove Unified School District
Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: Garden Grove Councilmember 2006 through 2014
City where you reside: Garden Grove
Campaign website or social media: None
Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools, pointing to studies that show the harmful effects of social media. How do you see schools restricting smartphone use? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Schools restricting smartphone use should relate to the safety of students and the mission statement of the school district. The district’s vision and mission drive the Garden Grove Way Strategic Plan which launched during the 2013-14 school year. GGUSD’s strategic plan was developed with input from students, parents and staff. The strategic plan is based on an equation that includes three primary goals: academic skills, personal skills and lifelong success.
How can your district better harness artificial intelligence technology for learning while also protecting kids from another tool that can be used for bullying? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The district must use technology to monitor and supervise the use of technology during school hours. In addition, the district should be liable for educating students about the harmful effects of bullying and creating a private and confidential forum where students and victims can share concerns and report bullying. GGUSD currently has a confidential reporting system.
What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
GGUSD’s top two needs are to sustain the current budget as it provides:- Maintain the current services provided to students and parents.- Competitive salaries for teachers, certificate staff and classified staff.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table for this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I have served two terms as trustee in the GGUSD. During these two terms, I have the experience of working with GGUSD administrative staff to balance the budget for the past eight years. In addition, I have experience resolving issues during turbulent times such as the COVID pandemic. I come from at least eight generations of educators. I understand that the success of every student comes from the concerted efforts of parents, teachers and support from the government.
My family is home grown to GGUSD. I graduated from Los Amigos High, and my children also attended GGUSD schools. We are a continuing part of the GGUSD education system which received and provided services to students.
California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I believe in age-appropriate activities. The safety of the students is a priority. I am a candidate with children. Like other parents, I have an interest in the development of my children. For as long as GGUSD is authorized to make rules concerning this subject, I am committed to supporting the rights of parents to be informed as long as the safety and welfare of the children are not at stake.
What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
GGUSD is actively contributing to combating climate change. We have recently contracted to install solar panels at schools in our five trustee areas. We are also using energy-saving equipment and materials in the recent renovation of our schools.
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