Chani Beeman is a retired education professional, a mother, and a Riversider who has committed her life to community service. Her career in public education spans working as Classified Staff, Adjunct Faculty, and District Administrator.
Chani’s experience includes addressing critical issues as a policy expert, investigator, mediator, and problem solver. Her greatest contribution to the educational environment was her ability to frame issues from diverse viewpoints and understand the interests of those involved.
Combining her work experience with involvement with numerous community and civic organizations, Chani has built a reputation as a sensitive, effective, and deliberate communicator and problem solver.
What do you love most about Riverside?
I love the small-town feel of Riverside, especially the connections that we make with our neighbors. From my earliest memories, having been born and raised in Riverside, and now as an adult, neighbors have been an important part of my life. Not that we always agree or even “like” one another, but we always work together to find mutual benefit and well-being. Some of my closest friends are neighbors and former neighbors –my experience is not uncommon in Riverside. That’s a far cry from communities where neighbors don’t even know each other.
Another thing I love about our community is how accessible it is to get involved in decision-making and governance. Our elected leaders are responsive, there are neighborhood groups looking out for community well-being, and numerous grassroots community organizations tackling important issues that impact our city and region. Anyone who wants to have impact in Riverside, it is possible and only dependent on personal willingness to engage.
How do you define the role you’re seeking as a School Board member?
School Boards establish policy and are the ultimate administrative decision makers for the effective operations of the District. If elected to the School Board, my role will be to review data, listen to input from parents and District employees, and ask questions. School Boards establish District priorities and oversee the development of services for our students and their families. My role will be to ensure administrative accountability for the efficient and equitable function of District resources.
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What is the District currently doing well?
The District is actively seeking measures to accelerate pandemic recovery and boost student achievement.
In reestablishing neighborhood elementary schools in Casa Blanca and on the Eastside, the District is correcting the 50-year problem caused by “voluntary” integration of our schools, resulting in the (continued) busing of children out of their neighborhoods and severing families from the advantages provided by neighborhood schools.
The District is expanding Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and providing students with additional pathways to post-graduation success and middle-class sustaining jobs.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities as a School Board member?
Transparency in decision making. Ensuring parents and community members know what is happening in our schools and why. I will be open about my thought process when making decisions. Especially in situations of disagreement, I will be open to assuring the basis for the decision is clearly articulated.
Fiscal responsibility. As a steward of public money, I will make every effort to ensure money is spent carefully and for the benefit of our students and community at large, with a deep commitment to considering both long-term and short-term goals.
Educational opportunities for ALL students. Providing a supportive and secure learning environment that allows students to succeed and thrive. To uplift fairness and equity to ensure every student is treated fairly and has access to educational opportunities.
What skills and experience do you have that you believe would strengthen your effectiveness as a School Board member?
My entire career has been in the field of education. In my nearly 30-year career of public service I worked as a classified staff member, adjunct faculty and as an administrator. During the past 10-years I have worked for a private business that provides contract work for schools, as well as other public and private organizations. I know how schools work – and sometimes don’t work.
In addition to my professional experience in education, I am active in the Riverside community through several community and grassroots organizations. I have served on several City Boards and Commissions. I am also currently Chairperson for the RUSD Citizen Bond Oversight Committee for Measure O. This experience provides me with a deep understanding of the needs and concerns in our community. I have trusted relationships with many community leaders in the neighborhoods this position represents.
In this breadth of experience, I have earned a reputation as an effective listener and respected guide to practical solutions. I have a unique skill set that allows me to see problems from a variety of viewpoints and ability to build agreement. I am a homegrown, tested, and trusted problem solver on tough issues.
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