Síndico, Area de Síndico 2 — Vista Unified School District

 

Debbie recently retired from teaching in a VUSD school after 24 years of service. She and her husband are parents to four VUSD-educated daughters, two of whom currently attend VUSD schools. Four of Debbie’s seven grandchildren also attend VUSD schools. She is actively involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s education and overall lives.  As a long-time teacher, she knows first-hand what is going on in the classroom and what needs to be fixed or changed. She understands how the district operates and how the budget works. The students and parents of VUSD need Debbie as their voice. She will ensure that they are heard.

Fiscally responsible: I understand that financial solvency is a long-game and will ensure that the district be held accountable for all moneys. Good steward of taxpayers' dollars: I seek to squeeze value out of every penny and will ensure no funds are wasted on needless items. Transparent: I prize communication that is up-front, straightforward and high-minded, now and always. I also know that when something is confidential, it must stay that way. Traditional, yet innovative: I believe in returning to what works -- reading, writing and arithmetic -- but I also value modern advances in education if they are proven to work. Inclusive: I champion parents' rights to participate in and direct their children's education from day one. 

Carol Weise Herrera has dedicated her life to education and student success.  She has taught every grade level from kindergarten through eighth grade.  She was a Principal of Kelly Elementary in Carlsbad, CA for over sixteen years.  During her tenure, Carol had the pleasure of reading with every student in the school at least three times per year.  Under her leadership, Kelly Elementary was recognized as a Distinguished School Award winner by the State of California.  It was also cited as a top performing school in the state.    

In 1979, Carol was the President of the Carlsbad Unified Teachers Association (CUTA) where she focused on better instructional programs for students and benefits for teachers.  At Buena Vista Elementary School in Carlsbad, Carol was recognized as Teacher of the Year and the recipient of the San Diego Reading Association award.  

In the mid-seventies, Carol was hired by the Army-Navy Academy Adult Division to set-up a testing and reading program for enlisted Marines and their dependents at Camp Pendelton, El Toro, and Mira Mar Naval Air Station.  This program was part of the GI Bill to assist these individuals to acquire their high school diploma. 

Carol was born and raised in Pennsylvania.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Misericordia University, a Masters in Reading from Scranton University, and an Administrative Credential from San Diego State University.  

Carol and her husband John, a Vietnam veteran, have been married and lived in Vista for forty-one years.  Their son Christopher attended formerly known Lincoln Middle School and graduated from Vista High School.  He was involved in the theatre and choral programs and has since continued his passion for music in Seattle and Los Angeles.