For over 17 years, Karen Pearsall regularly attended the Manteca Unified school board meetings as a member of the public.

She even served on the citizens’ oversight committee for the voter-approved Measure M school bonds in 2004.

In April 2019, Pearsall was front and center as she was appointed by the board to fill the seat once held by Michael Seelye.

Pearsall is looking to add to those past 17 months as representative of Trustee Area 3 with four more years. She's on the Nov. 3 ballot.

It doesn't matter if she's standing on the dais during public comment or front and center with her colleagues, Pearsall strongly believes in having a voice at the school board meetings.

"Communication is the key," she said.

As a board member, Pearsall wants to know the whole picture.

This includes the return to the classroom for students.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, students have been receiving online instructions as part of distance learning.

"I think teachers want students back in the class. But, as a district, I know we will be cautious by placing safety first," she said.

One of her main concerns during months of distance learning includes students who may experience huge learning gaps.

"The transition back to the classroom, even if it's part-time, should be as seamless as possible," Pearsall said.

There's also the issue of no busing for this year.

"We have (rural) areas where kids don't have sidewalks — getting to school will be an issue, especially their safety," she said.

Back to communications, Pearsall wants the public more of a say. During the past six months, school board meetings are available strictly online. However, public comments are limited to 250-word letters.

For Pearsall, that doesn't equate to the board policy that allows a speaker during normal circumstances to speak an allotted three minutes on an agenda item and five minutes on public comment.

"Instead of the 250-word limit, I think that should be changed to 400 words, which is equal to five minutes," she said.

Pearsall added: "I think it's also important to listen."

For over 17 years, Karen Pearsall regularly attended the Manteca Unified school board meetings as a member of the public.

She even served on the citizens’ oversight committee for the voter-approved Measure M school bonds in 2004.

In April 2019, Pearsall was front and center as she was appointed by the board to fill the seat once held by Michael Seelye.

Pearsall is looking to add to those past 17 months as representative of Trustee Area 3 with four more years. She's on the Nov. 3 ballot.

It doesn't matter if she's standing on the dais during public comment or front and center with her colleagues, Pearsall strongly believes in having a voice at the school board meetings.

"Communication is the key," she said.

As a board member, Pearsall wants to know the whole picture.

This includes the return to the classroom for students.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, students have been receiving online instructions as part of distance learning.

"I think teachers want students back in the class. But, as a district, I know we will be cautious by placing safety first," she said.

One of her main concerns during months of distance learning includes students who may experience huge learning gaps.

"The transition back to the classroom, even if it's part-time, should be as seamless as possible," Pearsall said.

There's also the issue of no busing for this year.

"We have (rural) areas where kids don't have sidewalks — getting to school will be an issue, especially their safety," she said.

Back to communications, Pearsall wants the public more of a say. During the past six months, school board meetings are available strictly online. However, public comments are limited to 250-word letters.

For Pearsall, that doesn't equate to the board policy that allows a speaker during normal circumstances to speak an allotted three minutes on an agenda item and five minutes on public comment.

"Instead of the 250-word limit, I think that should be changed to 400 words, which is equal to five minutes," she said.

Pearsall added: "I think it's also important to listen."