CANDIDATE STATEMENT

I am a district dad who wants to see more effort to ensure our kids are top performers, well-read, creative, mentally and physically healthy, and critical thinkers.

I’m running because I love our district and the educators and staff who inspire our kids every day, but I am also frustrated by the lack of energy from our current board. I’ve since learned that many in the community share those frustrations.

I have a kid in kindergarten and a kid who starts school in two years. We’re in this district for the next 11 years. I’m committed not only to my kids, but to all our kids and our amazing community as a whole.

I’ve made a career of fixing complex organizational issues, and I have experience in project management, engineering, manufacturing, sales, fundraising, and managing budgets. I’m ready to turn things around for Rio Schools.

When you go to vote, ask yourself: Why are none of the incumbents up for reelection endorsed by the very people they serve?

I think the educators and staff recognize that it’s time for a change.

We need governance, not agreeability on the school board.

I do not want Rio School kids left behind. We cannot allow another 10 years of poor academic achievement. It’s going to take hard work to turn things around for our kids. Nearly 85% of Rio School students are low-income, homeless, foster youth, or English Learners.

I know what it feels like to be the kid that has to work three times as hard for the same results. I was an ESL kid, son and grandson of immigrants, and low income.

I want to put in the hard work to ensure our kids are well-read, creative, mentally and physically healthy, critical-thinkers with the confidence to compete globally.

I hope I can count on your support this election because our kids, teachers, staff, and community deserve better.

I am endorsed by teachers' unions, classified staff unions, youth groups, and community organizations. I am ready to put in the hard work to serve this community and push Rio students to be top performers.

With gratitude,

Khaled Omar