response to Free Ventura invitation

This week I was invited to participate in a CVUSD Candidate Forum hosted by Free Ventura Action, a 501(c)(4), to be held at Godspeak Calvary Chapel on September 14th.

I have declined this invitation. Please see my response to Free Ventura Action below.

My campaign platform centers on issues that impact our schools and our community, with a key focus on ensuring high-quality instruction for all of our students in safe and affirming school environments. I believe we do this by providing teachers and classrooms with necessary resources, ensuring that district programming is vigorously implemented and assessed, increasing equity and access across student groups, and expanding the important connections between schools and our community, including parents.

Our CVUSD schools are integral to our community. It is up to all of us to work together to make them the best they can be for all of our students.

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Dear Free Ventura leadership team:

I respectfully decline to participate in the “Free Ventura Action” candidate forum on September 14th.

I have observed videos and reporting around “Free Ventura Action” since it was launched earlier this year. Free Ventura promotes extremist candidates and encourages its supporters to attack our schools with disinformation. I do not believe you can host a candidate forum that is legitimately nonpartisan.

My professional social work values and experience guide me to support school initiatives related to social-emotional learning, mental health supports, safe and affirming school/classroom environments, and equity and access for all students.

As a candidate for Conejo Valley Unified School District School Board Trustee Area 2 who supports and works on behalf of public schools and students, I look forward to participating in truly nonpartisan forums that will cover the real issues facing our public schools.

Thank you for reaching out to me.

Truly Yours,

Lisa Powell