Editor’s Note 10/17/24: A previous version of the editorial implied that CHAC had no replacement. It does, and the article has been edited to reflect that.

The November 5 election will decide the makeup of the Mountain View–Los Altos School Board. The School Board decides policies on programs and facilities, and manages the district’s budget. Students in the district balance rigorous academics with extracurriculars, leading to many feeling overwhelmed. It’s important that students get all the support they need to succeed, while staying mentally healthy.

Longtime board members Phil Faillace and Sanjay Dave are both not seeking reelection, and three candidates are running for their two seats. The Talon endorses Alex Levich and Li Zhang.

Alex Levich:

The Talon endorses Alex Levich because of her experience as a trustee on the Bowman School board, her clear action plan to address challenges students face, and her strong support for student journalism. Her priorities are mental health services, college and career readiness, and teacher support — all issues we agree ought to matter to a board member.

Through her time on the Bowman School board, she helped expand Bowman to include a high school and created a five-year plan for the school. She brings the unique perspective of experience working on a school board, ensuring students feel supported and providing quality education. Her past precedent of action gives us confidence in her ability to make change at MVLA. 

Levich also has experience working directly with recent high school graduates. As a guest speaker at Berkeley Business school she has experience interacting and teaching students about innovation and product management. Teaching college students has given her insight into the challenges high schoolers face today.

Levich recognizes the importance of mental health services at schools, and believes they are foundational to the success of students. With the closure of CHAC, the school’s main mental health service, she will make it a priority to ensure that its replacement, Pacific Clinics, fully supports students, even before they are in dire need of support.

Levich also wants to involve students in decision making processes, making student participation in forums more accessible and impactful. She also strongly supports student journalism, planning to make the board communicative and transparent.

Li Zhang:

The Talon endorses Li Zhang because of her prior involvement in the MVLA community, emphasis on student mental health, and efforts to support first-generation families.

As the mother of a Mountain View High School alumni, Zhang is very familiar with the district. What drove her from parent to candidate was the introduction of Ethnic Studies, which led her to become an active member at board meetings.

Having immigrated to pursue higher education in the US, she strongly believes in the importance of public education and inclusivity in diverse communities. As an organizer for the MVLA Tea Time club, which assists first-generation Chinese immigrant families, Zhang hopes to continue advocating for inclusive environments if elected.

Understanding the mental stress of high school students, Zhang wants to expand accessibility for counseling and wellness programs. Changes in vendors for programs puts strain on mental health resources, and Zhang’s interview convinced us that she has empathy for those who need them. 

Due to her belief that the increase in student social media usage is a major part of today’s mental health issues, Zhang also hopes to implement outdoor learning experiences along with the inclusion of green spaces.

She also recognizes the role that MVLA’s family partnership plays in the mental health issue, hoping to foster a greater dialogue that allows students to better express their needs. While she acknowledges that it will be a long journey, she is committed to strengthening mental health resources across the district.