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.
Name: Paulette Chaffee
Age: 77
Current job title: Educator/Nonprofit Boardmember
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Fullerton
Campaign website or social media: paulettechaffee.com
What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
No. 1: Reestablish remedial classes for students who are not yet academically prepared for college-level work. These classes could include tutoring to support students, since high school-level writing and reading skills are necessary for success in college and beyond. Community colleges are the affordable institutions providing higher education, and they need to meet students where they are academically when they enroll.
No. 2: The district needs to increase courses that lead to higher-paying, in-demand jobs. The district should also create paid internships so students can earn as they learn. Developing business contacts and connections in our community would help make this possible. It would be worthwhile to hire a professional grant writer to pursue public and private grants to help fund the internship program.
To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
The role of community colleges is to provide affordable and convenient education to residents of our community. Both on-campus and online instruction should offer students clear pathways to achieving their goals. Students should be able to transition easily from community college into a four-year university or into a certificated career. Community colleges should provide outreach to underserved neighborhoods and work to reduce barriers for those with limited resources.
In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
NOCCCD should create an ad hoc committee to study the feasibility of student housing on or near its campuses. In the interim, the district should create a frequently updated database of affordable housing options for students.
What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
One action to help prevent a shutdown of electronic access in the NOCCCD system would be creating a redundant system to fall back on in the event of a cyberattack. Such a system would allow continued electronic access for authorized users. In addition, the district should institute proactive cyber threat management.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
AI is a tool that can be used by faculty in the classroom. Faculty should be given paid training sessions on the use and potential misuse of AI. The district should protect the personal data of students, faculty, and staff. AI should not be used to cheat, and policies should be implemented to reject work by students that is solely AI-generated.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Community colleges should incorporate civil discourse instruction into the existing curriculum and pay faculty to create and implement this instruction, which teaches valuable, lasting skills.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I’ve dedicated much of my life to improving public education in North Orange County. I want to expand access to higher education and advocate for our students. I believe in the power of education and our students’ potential.
I’ve lived in Fullerton since age 5. I’m a mom, educator, attorney, and lifelong community leader, active in dozens of local organizations. I’ve served for many years as a board member of several local nonprofits. I hold a California lifetime teaching credential, taught in public schools, and worked as a speech therapist, as well as a tutor, with decades of experience in our schools.
I will work to increase job training programs, make transferring between institutions easier, improve counseling programs, support and enhance programs for veterans, and responsibly manage the district’s budget and precious taxpayer dollars.
I am a taxpayer watchdog. For years, I’ve served on NOCCCD’s oversight committee to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately. I recently helped raise over $30,000 in scholarship funds for Fullerton College students. Our community colleges are centers of opportunity. I’m committed to making them thrive.
I’m endorsed by many local leaders. My website, www.paulettechaffee.com, has more information about my qualifications and experience.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Jackie the Eagle would be my mascot choice. She stayed true to her mission and was inspirational, fun to watch, and feisty.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
“How to Hug a Porcupine” by Dr. Debbie Ellis. This book offers guidance on bringing people together to accomplish important missions and on collaborating to solve problems.