Riverside Board Candidates Outline Plans for Attendance and College Access

Jinane Annous, Duffy Atkinson, and incumbent Noemi Hernandez Alexander responded to the final set of questions regarding student attendance, English learner progress, and college readiness for the Riverside Unified School District board. The candidates addressed how they would support campuses with high absence rates and ensure students complete required courses for university admission. Their responses were released in the district’s third and final questionnaire for Trustee Area 1.

The 2026 state Dashboard indicates that 15.8% of students in grades TK through 8 in RUSD are chronically absent. Six schools hold the two lowest performance ratings in this category. Annous stated that her first priority is understanding why students miss school, citing transportation, health, and personal challenges. She proposed improving communication with families and reaching out early when attendance issues arise. Her target for the next two years is to lower the chronic absenteeism rate from 15.8% to approximately 12%.

Atkinson noted that RUSD tracks attendance daily, making it an early indicator of student struggle. She pointed to existing strategies such as MTSS supports and data analysis. Atkinson calculated that reducing the absenteeism rate by 2.9% per year would improve attendance for 770 students and lower the districtwide rate to 10% in two years. She described this shift as moving the district’s performance to green on the state scale. Hernandez Alexander emphasized an individualized approach for schools with the greatest needs. She cited transportation, health, and fear of ICE in vulnerable neighborhoods as barriers. She expects sustained reductions in absenteeism over the next two years, prioritizing student presence over dashboard scores.

The English Learner Progress Indicator rose to 46.1% on the 2026 Dashboard. Annous said she would continue current strategies and ensure teachers have necessary tools. She aims to increase the indicator to at least 55% in two years. Atkinson highlighted the impact of California Assembly Bill 2555, which allows students scoring level 4 on the summative ELPAC to be reclassified automatically. She stated this change removes state mandates and opens academic pathways for former English learners. Hernandez Alexander expressed pride in the progress but noted the need to accelerate improvement. She mentioned the new Multilingual Department and the goal of providing full access to advanced academic opportunities and college pathways.

Regarding achievement, math results improved while English language arts scores dropped 0.6 points on the 2026 Dashboard. Both subjects remain below state standards. Annous focused on reading and writing skills, proposing a 10 to 15 point improvement in both subjects over two years. Atkinson argued for a board-level examination of professional practices and instructional materials. She noted that ELA scores would need to improve by 3 points per year to reach green status, while math would require an 11.3 point annual increase. Hernandez Alexander identified Tier 1 instruction as the first strategic priority. She emphasized strengthening professional learning communities and using formative assessments to identify student needs.

The final question addressed college and career access, noting that English learners and low-income students are less likely to complete UC/CSU required courses. Annous stated that every student deserves equal opportunity regardless of background. She advocated for access to classes and support needed to qualify for UC and CSU schools. The candidates’ answers conclude the questionnaire process for the Trustee Area 1 race.