The MUSD meeting began with board members interviewing Pete Wood from Area 2. Wood was a long-time district employee, substitute principal, and substitute assistant principal with extensive education and Marine Corps experience. During the questioning, Wood emphasized his readiness to support the Board and his wishes to work for teachers, focusing on training and support.
Both candidates submitted extensive resumes and had excellent credentials and references. They were both unopposed for their district, but the Board asked questions and then voted to approve them.
When asked what he was proudest of, Pete Wood said he was proud of being a teacher on assignment and a substitute principal in several of the schools in the basin. When asked what he would like to accomplish as a Board member, Wood said, “Well, quite frankly, I’m not sure what I’d like to accomplish. What I do feel is we need to make sure we get good teachers, they’re supported, and they get good training.” He added his concern about school safety issues.
Bianca Stoker, a resident and mother representing Area 3, grew up in the Morongo Basin and highlighted her desire to increase the arts curriculum and work for school safety.
Stoker was asked about herself and why she wanted to be a member of the Board. She answered, “I grew up here. I love my town, and as somebody who grew up going to elementary school, junior high, and high school, it’s only as an adult that you can appreciate the experiences you had growing up. There are a lot of teachers who have made a huge impact on my life.” Now that Stoker’s son is in the fifth grade, she feels it’s time to give back.
She is most proud of the teachers and staff in the Morongo Basin. “They make the world of difference… at all the schools. They’re the people our kids meet daily, and they are the most important ones.” Stoker also said, “The arts are a big thing in my life, a huge part of my life, I should say, and my family’s life. So anything I can do to help get more arts curriculum into our schools is a high priority for me.” She also agreed with Wood that school safety was a top issue.
The session concluded with the swearing-in of the new trustees and a brief discussion on upcoming Board and district schedules.
