Get to Know Dale Kinnear, Candidate for RUSD Area 2

Get to Know Dale Kinnear

As the current President of the Riverside Unified School District Board, I bring experience, commonsense leadership, commitment, and hard work to the position. In these controversial, polarizing political times, it's critical that we re-elect a trustee with first-hand experience leading successful schools. As a former classroom teacher and celebrated high school principal at Riverside Poly and JW North, our priorities of student achievement, safety, and expanding career-vocational education will be delivered with trust and transparency.

What do you love most about Riverside?

First and foremost, living in Riverside provides me with great satisfaction in communicating with the tens of thousands of Poly and North alumni and their families that I have so proudly served. Whether it's at the grocery store or a school district event, these interactions are rewarding. Even when I might not remember a name, the look I receive from graduates and their parents is special.

I also love and appreciate the "small town" feel of Riverside. It's home.

How do you define the role you’re seeking as a School Board member?

Citizen oversight of public education truly is the cornerstone of democracy. Collectively, school board members set direction and establish goals, ensure accountability, establish policy, select and support the superintendent, and provide leadership. What is good for kids must always guide decision-making, even when the decisions are difficult.

What is the District currently doing well?

Riverside Unified School District is focused on its goals - student achievement, safety, and expanding career-vocational education. What happens in the classroom each and every day is the key to academic improvement and success. Teachers are working together and their lessons center on essential standards and effective initial instruction. It's this focus that will increase achievement.

Safety continues to be a priority. Campus supervision has increased dramatically. Riverside police services continue to be effective. Cameras, single-point entry, fencing, and training have a positive effect on safety. Although I'm proud of what we have accomplished in our 26 unique career-vocational programs in 15 industry sectors, we still have significant needs. Our expansion includes the field of manufacturing with an emphasis in welding.

None of our successes could be possible without an emphasis on student well-being. RUSD is proud of its mental health services with professionals at all schools. Our comprehensive student activities and athletic programs connect young people to their schools and support education beyond the classroom walls.

Finally, RUSD is proud of its special programs from dual enrollment to AVID, from STEM to the International Baccalaureate and many more.

If re-elected, what would be your top three priorities as a School Board member?

Our focus must remain on the priorities of student achievement, safety, and enhancing career-vocational education. It might appear odd, but it's true. Our strengths are also our areas for improvement. In these challenging times, these three goals are critical.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would strengthen your effectiveness as a School Board member?

Experience matters and makes a difference. As the current Board President, a former classroom teacher, and a high school principal, I know what questions to ask. I do my homework all of the time. Ask those who are connected to RUSD, and they will agree. I'm prepared. RUSD must stay focused on our goals. I will provide that direction with trust and transparency.