Michael Flaherty on Issues that Matter
Student Success
I am incredibly proud of the progress in student achievement during my time on the Rescue Union School Board. Our district consistently ranks among the best in the nation, with our students earning state and national recognition. In 2024 alone, we received the National Blue-Ribbon School Award, California Distinguished School Award, and California Honor Roll School Award, reflecting the exceptional growth in student learning and the incredible impact of our teachers. I remain committed to further improving student achievement across the district.
We continue to strive to ensure that every student receives the attention they need to succeed. Students are assessed three times a year in reading and math, and for those who need additional support, we create individualized plans to help them catch up. High-achieving students are also provided with the resources to continue to excel.
We are equally dedicated to supporting students and families facing behavioral or mental health challenges. Every school has counselors and behaviorists to address individual needs, and students have access to free community mental health services, including three wellness centers offering access to doctors.
School Safety
During my first term, I helped lead the largest safety upgrades in our district’s history. We enhanced security across all campuses with advanced cameras, lockdown buttons on school phones, license plate readers, bus trackers, stronger door locks, and more.
Our collaboration with law enforcement has also greatly improved. Local officers helped design safety plans for every school and now monitor our cameras and license plate readers, conduct threat assessments, make home visits, and respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring a swift response to any potential threat.
We've strengthened safety training for both staff and students, with staff receiving specialized training from local law enforcement and national experts on responding to potential active shooter situations. Students also participate in age-appropriate emergency drills multiple times a year to practice their emergency response skills.
Looking ahead, I aim to further enhance safety with bulletproof windows and doors for all schools, while continuing to improve our coordination with law enforcement and update safety protocols based on national best practices.
Responsible Budgeting
During my time on the RUSD Board, I am proud to have achieved a balanced budget with a healthy reserve—without raising taxes or borrowing funds due to staff dedication and board leadership. My commitment is to maintain this fiscal responsibility while continuing to build our reserves.
We’ve implemented smart upgrades, like a district-wide solar project across seven sites, projected to save $15 million in utility costs. I will continue to advocate for innovative, cost-saving measures to ensure we maintain a balanced budget while delivering exceptional education for all students. We also continue to set aside funds annually for building repairs and upgrades. allowing us to plan for the future and avoid costly borrowing.
I am committed to listening to parents and the community about budget priorities. Collaboration and staff leadership has been key to our success, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from parent and student surveys reinforces our shared goal of fostering a supportive and thriving educational environment.