Veronica Davidson
for
AUSD School Board
Veronica (Vonnie) Davidson
Parent
Educator
Small Business Owner
Community Supporter
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Age: 35
Occupation: Small Business Owner
In this unprecedented time for public education I am committed to supporting our students, teachers, and parents. As a longtime resident of Albany and a teacher at Cornell last year I know the value of our public schools to our community. I am also the parent of two young children, one of whom is a first grader at Cornell Elementary. As a small business owner I am active in our business community and also a business supporter of our schools.
As an educator I am familiar with a range of education policy and the associated challenges.
Upholding the level of academic excellence while enriching learning environments and ensuring equity for our diverse students is a top priority.
I will work hard to increase communication and collaboration between board members, teachers, parents, and administrators. We need to come together as a strong team to support our students.
BACKGROUND
I was born in Albany and have watched as this amazing little city has become a very desirable place to live with high-performing schools and a family-friendly feel. I attended Berkeley Public Schools: Thousand Oaks, Berkeley Arts Magnet, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, and Berkeley High.
While school work and learning came easily to me, I constantly desired more out of my school days. In third grade, my teacher arranged for me to spend some time collaborating with students in the special day-class room.
This was my first introduction to the challenges of providing equal education for all.
Being a graduate of BUSD schools and Mills College, I have had the fortunate opportunity to learn alongside students of diverse backgrounds and needs. These educational experiences also gave me a base framework for inclusion and an understanding that guides me now.
BA Child Development --- Mills College
CA State Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
For the past decade I have worked to support students challenged by the traditional education system. Through my educational support business I have navigated learning with many students, parents, teachers, administrators, and specialists. Last year, I took a job teaching first grade at Cornell Elementary while my oldest son started Kindergarten. That gave me a deeper perspective of the daily workings of AUSD's school sites and the true intricacies of being a teacher, student, parent, support staff, administrator, or specialist.
Tutor, Owner --- Santa Barbara Education Center
Educator, Owner --- In+Addition Education Center
Teacher --- Cornell Elementary School
A little more about me:
I have had the opportunity to explore numerous educational options and observe a wide variety of learning styles through my work as a tutor, teacher, parent and educational consultant. As a parent to a four and six-year old I am very aware of the demands placed on young families in our community. I am also connected with many other members of our community through my volunteer work and businesses. Owning and operating two businesses in Albany (a tutoring center previously and Ocean View Brew Works currently) has given me a strong understanding of the importance of long-term fiscal responsibility. I have fostered relationships with fellow educators, parents, neighbors, and the Albany business community which will help with hearing broader needs and making more comprehensive decisions. I would like to see our district demonstrate some more thoughtful and proactive processes. For example, we know hybrid learning or returning to campus may be the next step to distance learning and now is the time to begin planning for that eventuality. I firmly believe in education policy and implementation that supports the whole child with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
smALBANY Business Grant Fund
Veronica and her husband, Scott, ran an Indiegogo fundraiser to offer financial support to the small businesses in Albany. They designed a campaign, promoted it, and collected over $20,000. In collaboration with Working Solutions they delivered grants to 15 local businesses to offset some of the losses suffered during the COVID-19 closures.
Volunteer Albany Inside Out
During the Shelter in Place period of 2020 Veronica volunteered with Amy Smolens to coordinate the Albany Inside Out program. This included connecting with business owners in Albany and finding solutions that would offer support and alternative reopening strategies. Veronica and Amy drafted letters, presented to City of Albany staff and Committees and successfully advocated to repurpose parking spaces for outdoor dining and retail. They also got graphics designed, made into posters and postcards, and distributed to all participating and supporting businesses. Now the small businesses of Albany at least have an option to offer more than take-out and our city's commercial district is on the road to recovery.
Ocean View Brew Works Fundraisers
Through her business, Ocean View Brew Works, Veronica has coordinated numerous fundraisers. She has worked with Albany Irish Dance, Armada Swimming, Alameda County Foodbank, Berkeley Animal Care Shelter, and more. Veronica has also coordinated donations from Ocean View Brew Works to school fundraisers for AUSD schools.
SUPPORT MY CAMPAIGN
