Madonna M. Gerrell, board president, Palm Springs Unified School District
How long have you been on the school board and why are you passionate about your work?
For the past eight years, I have actively served as a member of the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) Board of Education. This year is especially amazing because my duties and dedication to my work have been heightened by being elected to the position of board president, which is truly an honor for me. My joy and passion as a board member is monumental! The spirit and gifts that our students bring to our schools, communities and district will catch your attention and astound you. 
What is one thing you’ve learned while on the school board that other trustees may find helpful?
One effective practice that still continues to be helpful as a board member is asking questions and asking even more specific questions each time you are not understanding or really wondering about a policy or topic. This effective feedback is going to keep you in the know. Being a “prolific questioner,” as Supreme Court Chief Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said, is the best strategy that will help to inform every board member.
What was the most impactful initiative your board spearheaded in the 2023–24 school year?
As a five-member board of education in PSUSD, one of many impactful initiatives in our area this past year was the great amount of work in opening wellness centers and/or calming spaces, including at the elementary school sites. With the opening of the centers, we have full time counselors at all elementary and secondary schools, social workers, mental health leaders and restorative justice programs that deserve attention and recognition for social-emotional well-being and safety. We are fortunate to also have a full mental health department.
What are your district’s priority areas for this academic year?
The PSUSD board priorities include:
- Attracting and retaining the highest quality employees within available resources
- Offering innovative, challenging and equitable opportunities for every student to be successful
- Increasing college and career readiness
- Improving academic achievement in English language arts and mathematics, and among English learners
How do you foster a positive relationship with your local community?
We foster positive relationships within our communities through so many active and special ways. We work with local Spanish and English TV and radio stations, and use podcasts, news blasts, social media platforms and apps that bring the school and district news to our community.
Our current board members attend parent meetings both on Zoom and in person, speak and present to parent groups and service organizations, meet with local legislators at a Legislative Breakfast that we host, and attend multiple events, parades, concerts, presentations, celebrations, classroom and school visits and festivities. We serve on local PSUSD committees, meet with community government leaders in two-on-two meetings, and host events that include recognizing parents and students at every board meeting.
Our motto is, “Lifelong Learning Starts Here,” and our vision is that we foster student success; promote deep, meaningful learning and opportunities; value culture, relationships and social-emotional health; believe in professionalism, communication and collaboration; and stand committed to community and parent engagement. Palm Springs Unified shines bright here in the Coachella Valley!
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
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