EL SEGUNDO HERALD October 29, 2020 Page 3
ELECTION 2020
Final El Segundo School Board Candidates Q&A
Candidate
Amy Grant
Candidate
Michael Wagner
Candidate
Dieema Wheaton
VOTE NOV. 3
By Duane Plank
What did I not ask you that you think
is important to address?
Amy Grant: Be a registered voter. Be a
resident of the district she/he is running in.
Have at least a high school diploma or a
certificate of high school equivalency. Not
have been convicted of a felony. These are
the only requirements for being able to serve
on a California School Board.
While it is crucial to look at each candidate
at face value with the “skills” that they bring
to the table; their overall character must be
examined. More pointed questions should be
asked about the manner and character that each
candidate has exhibited while volunteering and
serving our Community prior to Candidacy.
The School Board needs members that have
the collective voice of the Community as their
guiding force for the sake of our children,
rather than their own agenda or need for
perceived power.
In the future, candidate forums should allow
for broader conversation/debate, therefore
encouraging greater authenticity.
Dieema Wheaton: One important topic
not addressed is the importance of voting for
ESUSD Governing Board Members by every
eligible El Segundo resident. Decisions made
by the Board impact the entire community.
The El Segundo Unified School District is a
destination district that attracts families seeking
quality education for their children. Our high
performing public schools help attract future
residents, community partners, teachers, and
administrators, as well as impact the current
and future value of properties in El Segundo.
The Board ensures that the district is responsive
to the values, beliefs, and priorities of our
community. The decisions they make are longterm
and affect members of our community
whether or not they have a child in one of
our public schools, so it is important to have
a hand in selecting the individuals that make
up the Board. Please cast your vote for me,
Dieema A. Wheaton, thank you.
Michael Wagner: It was a comprehensive
list of questions we have been asked. I think
what is important to consider and what was
not addressed fully was, “What do students and
parents want for their school community?” As
candidates, we were asked the big questions
about policy, budget,Covid-19, distance
learning, curriculum, school leadership and
teacher accountability, but rarely what our
connections are to the students and parents
in the community of El Segundo. I think it
is important that as a non-political position,
board members have a real connection and
sense of students and parents as our primary
stakeholders. As a teacher, coach and volunteer
for over 20 years in this community, I have
those relationships and can ensure that my
primary consideration will always be our
students. It is going to take someone who has
these connections to hear student and parent
concerns and truly advocate on their behalf.
What is something about you that
people would be surprised to know?
Dieema Wheaton: People may be surprised
to learn that my love of service began my
sophomore year in college when I became
a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated (AKA), a sorority founded in
1908 with the mission of “Service to All
Mankind.” I am a proud Life Member of
AKA with over 26 years of non-interrupted
membership for which I actively adhere to the
current theme of Exemplifying Excellence
Through Sustainable Service. Some may have
noticed that I often wear pearls. The AKA
founders are referred to as the 20 pearls, and
I wear my pearls as a tribute to them and to
my commitment to service. I am also actively
nurturing a commitment to service with my
daughters through our local membership with
the National Charity League (NCL), a motherdaughter
organization committed to community
service and leadership development.
Michael Wagner: Being involved in athletics
most of my life, people would be surprised to
know that I acted in musicals while in high
school. I have been part of championship teams
as a player and coach, but my most prized
award is my “Best Supporting Actor” trophy.
My teachers at the time pushed me to step
outside my comfort zone and participate
in something I normally would not have
considered. It was a tremendous experience
and I was able to see a whole different side
of what performing arts can offer students.
As a school administrator, I never forgot
the opportunities I had in sports and the
arts. Performing arts, band, music, choir,
athletic sand organized volunteerism through
school, is essential for students in their
pursuits of higher education or professional
vocations. These academic-social opportunities
keep students accountable to their school
community and their own academic progress
and achievement.
Amy Grant: I have a terrible sweet tooth
and a wicked sense of humor. There are lots
of other things that would surprise you…but
I suppose if you want to find out what they
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Halloween Happenings
Correction
Last week’s article about the jail contract
with Hawthorne contained an incorrect
date. Chief Bill Whalen took over the top
command at the El Segundo Police Department
in July 2017. We regret the error.
– H.M.
“You’ve Been Boo’d” Candy
Graham Deliveries
From 10/05/2020 - 10/31/2020, the City
is hosting a “You’ve Been Boo’d” Candy
Grahams will be available for purchase for
$5 each while supplies lasts on esrec.org.
Purchase a candy graham and have it delivered
to an address in El Segundo!
The Great Pumpkin
On 10/26/2020 - 10/30/2020 5-8:30 PM
The Great Pumpkin is coming to El Segundo!
Please come outside and join us for some
sweet treats and frighteningly festive fun.
We will be bringing some spooky excitement
to you as the Great Pumpkin makes its way
through El Segundo!
Mattel Black Friday Deals
No need to wait for Black Friday Door
Busters – the savings are starting Saturday,
October 31, 2020, Doors open at 11AM at
the Mattel Toy Store and the Holiday Tent!
Hours of Operation: Tues, Thurs & Sat:
11AM – 5PM. Follow Mattel Toy Store
on Facebook @matteltoystore.com for
more savings
Trunk or Treat and
Car-Stume Contest
Saturday, October 31st in the Joslyn Center
parking lot from 12:00pm to 4:00pm the City
is hosting “Trunk or Treating” is just as fun as
Trick or Treating! Throw on your costume on,
load the family into the car and drive through
our socially distanced Trunk or Treat! Trunk or
Treat-ers will be required to stay in their vehicle
as staff pass out prepackaged candy. Please look
here for more information soon! Enter Joslyn
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