Darshana Patel

Patel was born on July 1, 1974, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Occidental College with a bachelor's degree in 1996. She went on to obtain her Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine in 2002. Her career experience includes working as a professional biotechnology researcher and a civic nonprofit executive.[1][2]

Patel has been affiliated with the following organizations:[2]

California Democratic Party

California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs

California School Boards Association

Asian Pacific Islander School Board Members Association

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Fleet Science Center Board Advisory Council

San Diego County Democratic Party

San Diego County School Boards Association

San Diego Police Department Police Captain's Advisory Board

Poway Unified School District Board of Education

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Darshana Patel. I am a research scientist, elected School Board President, working mom, civic leader, and lifelong Democrat running for Assembly District 76. I've decided to run for State Assembly because I care deeply about the community that I've been actively serving for the last 13 years.

We’re fighting for a fair economy - with shared values of opportunity, equity and representative democracy. I will prioritize finding solutions to generational challenges like climate change, housing affordability, fully funding public education TK-14, expanding healthcare access, and protecting women’s reproductive rights.

I have served on our local civic boards, as an elected official, a state Delegate, and as a State Commissioner. These diverse roles have allowed me to better understand the needs of my broader community and I have seen how our state policies directly impact our local governments, services they provide, and people they serve.

I’m the candidate with deep community relationships and governance experience who will work with community members to represent their values and priorities.

As the daughter of immigrants who struggled to realize the American Dream, I know the challenges that families can face during hard times. I want to make sure that every person has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

No one should have to choose which basic necessities to meet every day. Our communities have faced rising prices for everything from housing and healthcare to college and transportation. In the State Assembly, I will work to bring down the cost of living in our region and help working families make ends meet.As a School Board President, a mom of three public school students, and a proud product of public education, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives a great education and the skills they need for college, life, and a career. I support increasing funding for our K-12 schools and public colleges and universities. I believe that public education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society, and I will work to empower California’s students, educators, and parents.Our region suffers from drought and wildfires that are worsening every year. The climate is changing rapidly, and we have to act with urgency to protect our planet for future generations. I will advocate for bold policies that prioritize diversified renewable energy, investment in sustainable infrastructure, long-term water capture and storage capacity, and conservation to lead California’s transition towards a greener and more resilient future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am a vocal advocate of public education - the backbone of a strong democracy and gateway to opportunity and innovation. Growing up, my parents struggled to make ends meet during multiple recessions and if it were not for the caring teachers in my public school helping my mom sign up for nutrition assistance I would not be where I am today. I have experienced the benefits of public education and will focus on finding ways to help Californians follow their dreams.

Additionally, I will push to expand healthcare access including mental and behavioral health, support affordable and middle income housing so that we can reduce homelessness and build a highly qualified workforce, and ensure we continue to keep our communities safe through effective climate change policies, supporting first responders, and advanced technologies.

To learn more, please visit https://patelforassembly.com/issues/

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

When I choose to support a public official, I look for integrity, demonstrated competency, and compassion. As a current elected official, I have a track record of working with community groups to develop effective policies, making tough decisions and facing constituents, building collaborative partnerships to support critical initiatives, and keeping open lines of communication with my constituents. Based on my service early on in my public life, I was able to win my seat on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education in 2016 as the top vote getter out of nine candidates running at large in a district with about 130,000 voters, even beating the incumbent, for a top two election. After four years of service, I won my reelection with a 22% margin in 2020.

Our region and State need an elected official who is trusted, experienced, and qualified. My contributions have been recognized throughout the San Diego region by being awarded the San Diego County School Boards Association First Term Board Member of the Year in 2019. I was most recently recognized as both a 2022 City of San Diego Woman of Distinction and a 2022 API Leader of Influence by San Diego Business Journal.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

In the midst of household financial struggles following my mother's passing when I was 14 and my father grappling with the challenges of starting a business, a sense of responsibility took root within me. Despite remembering my mother's loving guidance and support for me to focus on my education and dreams, the financial constraints with her gone were undeniable. At the age of 16, recognizing the need to contribute, I took on a job at the local movie theater.

Assigned to the role of a usher on a bustling Friday night, my manager humorously referred to it as a "baptism by fire." Surprisingly, not only did I manage to keep pace with the demanding role, but I demonstrated an ability to excel. The motivation behind taking on this job extended beyond personal financial relief—it aimed to cover expenses associated with my involvement in the High School Mock Trial Team and Tennis Team, thereby alleviating some of the additional financial burdens. I kept this job until I started college two years later, rising from usher to concessions, to box office cashier.

Working at the movie theater provided me with more than just a paycheck; it opened my eyes to the diverse struggles within our community. Interacting with people from different walks of life, I began to understand the limitations of minimum-wage jobs that started at a meager $4.25 per hour. This experience not only shaped my perspective but also instilled in me a profound sense of compassion at a remarkably young age.

What is your favorite book? Why?

There are three books, from different times in my life, that I have considered favorites.

The Hobbit (J.R.R.Tolkien) - for sparking a lifelong love of reading and providing insights on collaboration, teamwork, resilience, and politics.

Thinking Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman) - for giving me some insight into how others process information and developing a deeper understanding for critical thought.

Amusing Ourselves to Death (Niel Postman) - for showing how some universal human conditions will continue to cycle unless we consciously seek change.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Effective, sustainable policy often evolves out of a collaborative effort between many impacted key stakeholders. The policy making process can involve input from community groups, industry experts, labor partners, and policy makers, just to name a few. Each group comes with their own interests, needs, and concerns and together, through robust dialog, we can build enduring policy that can be successfully implemented. When policies are made that favor only one interest, they tend to have unintended negative consequences or result in mandates that cannot be implemented as desired. As a scientist and local elected, I have directly experienced the benefits of collaboration in addressing a problem or policy need. I have seen how compromise can lead to more inclusive, practical, and innovative solutions that support community trust, shared responsibility and accountability, and the potential for future collaborative problem solving.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Dr. Darshana Patel is the only candidate supported by the California Democratic Party, California Nurses Association, California Professional Firefighters, California Federation of Teachers, California Faculty Association, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, San Diego Democrats for Equality, AAPI Democratic Club of San Diego, Escondido Democratic Club, Black Mountain Democratic Club, San Marcos Democratic Club, San Diego Labor Democratic Club, Rancho Peñasquitos Democratic Club, California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus, and more: www.PatelForAssembly.com/endorsements.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Dr. Darshana Patel, a first generation American, civic-minded scientist, and community leader dedicated to world-class learners in PUSD. My three daughters attend PUSD schools and I am fully invested in high-quality public education.

My top priorities:

• Equity and access in educational programs for all students

• Social-emotional wellness for our students

• Advocacy for adequate public-school funding

Since being elected to the PUSD Board in 2016, I've led and supported meaningful change in the district: adopting best practices in finance and governance policies, increasing community engagement, and expanding education opportunities. I've served as Clerk, VP, and President of our Board, and currently serve as Delegate to the California School Boards Association. I am trusted, dedicated, and experienced.

The unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the anti-racism movement require proven leadership by an elected official with a track record of understanding complex issues, listening to families and students, and making informed decisions under difficult circumstances.

I've been recognized by the San Diego County School Boards Association with the First Term School Board Member of the Year Award for my leadership and advocacy.

Key endorsements:

• Poway Federation of Teachers

• Poway School Employees Association

• San Diego County Democratic Party

I would be honored to earn your vote to continue serving our students and community.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am trusted by students, parents, staff, and community: In every role I stepped into, I fulfilled my responsibilities, pushed organizations to higher standards and had the strength to voice my concerns. My background as a research scientist brings valuable STEM expertise to the Board. I am committed to ethically fulfilling my board responsibilities and will continue to work collaboratively and effectively with students, staff, administration, and the community.I am a dedicated community leader: I have served on The Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council, Park Village Elementary PTA, and PUSD Advisory Committee. In addition to being an elected member of the PUSD Board of Education, I serve on the Rancho Peñasquitos Planning Board (member of the Land Use Committee), SDPD Police Captain's Advisory Board Member - Northeastern Division, and as an Advisor on the Park Village Elementary School Foundation. I understand the role of a school board member and have a demonstrated passion for engaging the community.I am experienced in Board Leadership: During my first term as trustee, I served as the Clerk, Vice President, and President of the Board. I currently serve on the California School Boards Association as a regional delegate and Vice Chair of Legislation. My impact as a leader and advocate has been recognized by the San Diego School Boards Association though the First Term Board Member of the Year Award. My extensive experience working on civic boards makes me an objective problem-solver who can effectively manage resources.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Many challenges public schools in California face are because of or can be solved through more adequate public school funding. While the Local Control Funding Formula attempts to address systemic inequity faced by low income students, English language learners and youth experiencing transitional housing, it fails all school districts because the funding base level has not kept up with the rising costs of running a school district. Some examples of these rising costs are related to underfunded pension debt, increased utilities, and rising costs associated with educating our students with disabilities.

With adequate funding, and minimum funding of IDEA, school districts could bring down student counselor ratios to help with social-emotional wellness, fund VAPA, CTE, and STEM programs, improve food and nutrition, and update curriculum materials.

Through my position on the PUSD Board of Education, I serve as a Delegate to the California School Boards Association and as the VP of Legislation for the San Diego County School Boards Association. I am a vocal advocate for increasing public school funding in California. For example, I lobby state elected officials during CSBA Legislative Action Day and introduced Full and Fair Funding Resolution 36-2018 (unanimously passed), which supported increasing base funding by $2000 per student on average. Unfortunately, it was not brought to the 2020 ballot as planned, but could appear on the 2022 general election.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Although my mom passed away when I was 14, she is still my North Star. My mom grew up in a modest city in India. She was the first girl in her neighborhood to ride a bicycle to school and was persistent enough to earn a bachelors degree at the local university. She had the courage to leave behind the family she loved and was raised in to start a new family in America. She was a constant example of perseverance - whether through learning to drive, working the night shift at the bank entering transactions through the key punch system when my dad was laid off, or somehow always managing to be there when I needed her.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

* I am trusted by students, parents, staff, and community: In every role I stepped into, I fulfilled my responsibilities, pushed organizations to higher standards and had the strength to voice my concerns. My background as a research scientist brings valuable STEM expertise to the Board. I am committed to ethically fulfilling my board responsibilities and will continue to work collaboratively and effectively with students, staff, administration, and the community.

I am a dedicated community leader: I have served on The Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council, Park Village Elementary PTA, and PUSD Advisory Committee. In addition to being an elected member of the PUSD Board of Education, I serve on the Rancho Peñasquitos Planning Board (member of the Land Use Committee), SDPD Police Captain's Advisory Board Member - Northeastern Division, and as an Advisor on the Park Village Elementary School Foundation. I understand the role of a school board member and have a demonstrated passion for engaging the community.

I am experienced in Board Leadership: During my first term as trustee, I earned my Masters in Board Governance, served as the Clerk, Vice President, and President of the Board. I currently serve on the California School Boards Association as a regional delegate and Vice Chair of Legislation. My impact as a leader and advocate has been recognized by the San Diego School Boards Association though the First Term Board Member of the Year Award. My extensive experience working on civic boards makes me an objective problem-solver who effectively manages resources.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

In California, local control is a cornerstone of public education. For school districts, this is true in both election of a school board of education and how state allocated funding is budgeted. As school district Trustee my role, officially, is high level oversight. We ensure that the board is responsive to community values, beliefs, and priorities through five major governing priorities:

1) Set direction through policies

2) Establish an effective structure

3) Provide support to district initiatives

4) Ensure accountability

5) Advocate for our school community

The authority to act on behalf of the school district is given to the board as a whole governance team, and not to each individual member. The Superintendent is the only employee of the Board and the Board, as a whole, can take action on behalf of the community through directing the Superintendent.

As an individual board member, I provide updates at public PTSA meetings, attend school district community committee meetings, visit school sites, attend school events, serve as a delegate to the California School Boards Association in order to advocate for public education, plus share district initiatives, recognition, and information through social media. I respect different perspectives, participate in professional development, and keep student learning and well-being as my primary focus.

As a member of the governance team, I ensure we govern within our adopted by-laws, policies, and procedures. I am prepared for board meetings, behave in an ethical manner, and make decisions through the lens of student equity.

Additionally, trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to the school district and must adhere to the 1953 Ralph M. Brown Act (California Government Code 54950) for public meetings.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember was the Jimmy Carter and Ronald Regan debate in 1980. I was six years old and I clearly remember sitting on the floor with my dad, who was an immigrant from India and politically engaged. My dad explained how important the election would be and how it would be a reflection of what fellow citizens value.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first paying job was at the local movie theater when I was in High School. I held this job for two years, quickly being promoted from usher, to concessions, to ticket sales. This job provided me with some pocket money as well as life-changing experiences. I had to suffer through blatant racist attacks as well as constant microaggressions. I worked along side a diverse group of employees that provided perspective on the impact of life choices. I also had the chance to watch every single movie that came out those two summers I was employed there. My dad also used my work experience to instill within me the value of savings. For every dollar I put into my newly created IRA, he would match it dollar for dollar.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is J.R.R.Tolkien's The Hobbit for sparking a lifelong love of reading, story telling and understanding of cultural societies.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The publicly elected School Board of Education's primary responsibility is to ensure that the school district is responsive to their community values, beliefs, and priorities with regard to public education, while balancing the requirements of education policy set by the State. The Board fulfills this role by setting direction though policies, establishing an effective and efficient structure, providing support to district initiatives, ensuring accountability, and providing leadership through advocacy for children, the district, and public education. Additionally, the Board is responsible for establishing the Vision and Mission of the School District and allocating resources to align with those ideals and priorities.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

With the COVID-19 Pandemic and looming state budget crisis, the experience I have advocating for public school funding will be essential to securing and increasing funds to the school system. It is clear now, more than ever, that public education is essential to a strong economy, not just in the short term, but in preparing our future innovators, crafts people, and caretakers.

Through my position as a member of the Poway Unified School District Board of Education, I am a delegate to the California School Boards Association, Region 17. In my Region 17, San Diego County School Boards Association (CSBA), I serve as the Vice President of Legislation. In all three roles I actively lobby State elected officials for increases in base level of school funding. When Proposition 98 was passed in 1988, it established public school funding guarantees which were then further regulated through the adoption of the Local Control Funding Formula enacted by the second administration of Gov. Jerry Brown. While these measures improved funding for under-served communities, it did not create a funding model that would keep up with rising costs of pensions, health insurance costs, or special education needs. California, while being the 5th largest economy in the world, is still 38th in per pupil funding nationwide. In addition to my work with CSBA, I participate in a lobbying group called the California Suburban School Districts where we advocate for COLA, increased base funding, as well as other types of public education supports.

Darshana Patel participated in [the profile publisher]'s 2016 survey of school board candidates. In response to the question "What do you hope to achieve if elected to the school board?" the candidate stated on July 31, 2016:

I am a civic-minded scientist, parent and community leader dedicated to educational excellence in PUSD. Since my three young daughters attend PUSD schools, I am fully invested in high-quality education for many years to come. • Excellence – Prioritize education, staff and finance: Our district has historically performed well based on mutual respect for all aspects of the education system. PUSD not only provides high quality education for our children but also is a responsible employer to several thousand residents. We need to work cooperatively to maintain this successful model of education. • Resources – Balance STEM, arts and whole child: Due to our current financial landscape, we must more effectively use our available resources to balance the education needs of our students. I will use a sensible approach in addressing education resource issues under board purview. • Advocacy – Seek funding, participation and collaboration: As a member of the board, I will explore funding options, keep open lines of communication and work with community groups. My years of community and school volunteerism have given me the right experience to focus on putting education first. Now is the time to elect a board member who is qualified, objective, collaborative and ethical to ensure the greatest success for our children. Read more at www.patel4pusd.wordpress.com[9][10]

Ranking the issues

The candidate was asked to rank the following issues based on how they should be prioritized by the school board, with 1 being the most important and 7 being the least important. Each ranking could only be used once.

Education policy

Click here to learn more about education policy in California.

Education on the ballot

Issue importance ranking

Candidate's ranking

Issue

1

Closing the achievement gap

2

Balancing or maintaining the district's budget

3

Expanding arts education

4

Improving education for special needs students

5

Improving post-secondary readiness

6

Improving relations with teachers

7

Expanding school choice options

In PUSD, I have ranked teacher relations and post-secondary training lower only because we currently good relationship with our teachers and have success in college and career readiness goals in our LCAP. While there is always room for improvement in these areas, for PUSD, balancing our budget while expanding arts and prioritizing closing of the achievement gap is crucial for our continued success.[10]

—Darshana Patel (July 31, 2016)

Positions on the issues

The candidate was asked to answer nine questions from [the profile publisher] regarding significant issues in education and the school district. The questions are highlighted in blue and followed by the candidate's responses. Some questions provided multiple choices, which are noted after those questions. The candidate was also provided space to elaborate on their answers to the multiple choice questions.

Should new charter schools be approved in your district? (Not all school boards are empowered to approve charter schools.In those cases, the candidate was directed to answer the question as if the school board were able to do so.)

No. Poway Unified School District is a high performing school district with an excellent diversity of program and curriculum offerings and does not need charter schools. Furthermore, charter schools take away essential funding needed for us to provide the high-quality programs we are able to provide, despite having only

90% of the revenue of average equivalent unified school districts in the area.

Which statement best describes the ideal relationship between the state government and the school board? The state should always defer to school board decisions, defer to school board decisions in most cases, be involved in the district routinely or only intervene in severe cases of misconduct or mismanagement.

The state should defer to school board decisions in most cases. Since the state government does provide taxpayer funding to school districts, they maintain a fiduciary resposibility to ensure funds are being managed appropriately and legally. However, school districts should have the freedom to customize programs to suit the needs of their specific population demographic, with tailored programs to ensure closing of the achievement gap.

Are standardized tests an accurate metric of student achievement?

No. While standardized tests may not be an accurate metric for student achievement, it is a necessary part of a complete package for evaluating student success and learning. When standardized tests are taking together with grades, well-being, and other methods we can better understand whether our curriculum and environment are set up for student success.

What is your stance on the Common Core State Standards Initiative?

Common Core State Standards is a move in the right directions towards prioritizing essential problem solving skills while establishing some transferable standards nationwide. The initiative allows for individual states and districts to customize implementation in a way that fits their needs.

How should the district handle underperforming teachers? Terminate their contract before any damage is done to students, offer additional training options, put them on a probationary period while they seek to improve or set up a mentorship program for the underperforming teacher with a more experienced teacher in the district?

Offer additional training options. Set up a mentorship program for the underperforming teacher with a more experienced teacher in the district. A teacher that is underperforing should be provided with some mentoring and further training to allow improvements. If, after these interventions, the teacher continues to underperform or is no longer a good fit in that teaching position, options should be discussed for cross-training in another posit