By Ayla Ozturk
Crystal Reynolds is one of three candidates running for the Visalia Unified School District [VUSD] Board of Education as a representative of Trustee Area 4. She is endorsed by the Tulare County Republican Party and the Blessings of Liberty.
Crystal Reynolds is the owner and director of a dance studio. She has been in dance education throughout Tulare County for over 26 years and has owned her studio for over 13 years.
She has taught and choreographed many dance projects, events, and performances.
Reynolds has several years of experience working as a Licensed Vocational Nursing Director for one of Visalia’s largest Assisted Living Facilities.
She has three children, a 15-year-old son in a charter high school, a 13-year-old daughter attending a VUSD middle school, and a 9-year-old daughter she is currently homeschooling.
Reynolds was a candidate for a provisional appointment last year after John Crabtree resigned from the Board. Catalina Blair was chosen to fill the seat.
“I decided to run for Visalia Unified School Board, Area 4, as I believe Visalia Unified has great potential. I have come to realize over the past 2.5 years of attending biweekly board meetings that community voice, input, and concerns are no longer accepted by our current board,” Reynolds says.
“Community input, respectful communication, teamwork, and transparency between parents, students, teachers, and the board are all crucial for re-establishing mutual trust between the community and the District,” she adds.
If elected, Reynolds would like to see “parents, students, and teachers brought back to the table for input and discussion.”
Reynolds wants students to know that “[She is] a mom and dance educator that has a genuine love for all students, parents, teachers, and the community!”
She says, “I would like to see committees formed such as a Safety Task Force with parents, community partnerships, and students that help establish plans to be implemented on our campuses to keep our students, faculty, and parents safe.”
Reynolds hopes to create curriculum committees composed of current and retired teachers, parents, students, and community partners. The committee would review district-based and supplemental curricula for approval.
“I’d also like to see more transparency from the board in ways of Q&A sessions, community forums, and District Newsletter updates,” Reynolds adds.
“I believe our District needs an outsider with strong leadership skills to fill our Area 4 board seat. Unlike the candidates running against me, I have no strong ties to the District or Teacher’s Union. I am able to come in with a fresh perspective, fresh ideas and come in completely unbiased.”
Crystal Reynolds
Ayla Ozturk
Ayla Ozturk, class of 2024, is a fourth-year journalism student passionate about leading the News section. She is dedicated to informing students and amplifying their voices through Government and Politics writing.
You can reach her at ayla.oz3769@vusd.us.
Tags: 2022 elections, ayla ozturk, board elections 2022, crystal reynolds, rangers, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, trustee area 4, visalia ca, VUSD board, vusd board elections 2022, vusd board of education