Locals Only: Emily Andrade

Chances are, if you or your children have attended an campus during the last 20 or so years, the name Emily Andrade will be a familiar one. Andrade was an elementary school principal in Encinitas from 1989 to 2006; in 2010, she was elected to the EUSD school board and this past December she was named board president for 2012. An Encinitas resident since 2000, she has three grown children, two of whom attended schools in EUSD and the San Dieguito Union High School District. She talks about her work for local schools, and more, in this installment of Locals Only.

Her goals for the next year as school board president: Our school board’s goals for 2012 are: 1) to ensure that every child in the Encinitas Union School District continues to receive the highest quality education; 2) to develop a multi-year budget plan to ensure fiscal solvency; 3) to develop a sound asset management plan for the Pacific View property and implement an Environmental Agricultural Teaching Program at the Quail Gardens property; 4) to effectively utilize Proposition P funds to upgrade and integrate wireless, iPad, and green technologies as per bond language; 5) to ensure our students develop global competencies and the 21st century skills necessary to be successful, productive citizens.

The biggest challenge facing the board this year: Unfortunately, in the state of California, one of the biggest challenges a school board faces most years is budget. With the uncertainty in Sacramento at this time, we are working hard to develop a conservative budget to ensure that if there are more budget cuts, our district will maintain adequate funds to continue to provide our students with an exceptional education and remain fiscally solvent.

Favorite thing about being a school board member: Having worked in education for 37 years, I have a true passion for children and learning. I enjoy visiting the schools and classrooms to see the exciting and powerful learning opportunities our students receive. I also appreciate working with our dedicated staff, families, and community members to ensure an exceptional education for all children.

Examples of favorite programs she’s seen at EUSD campuses: There are exciting, engaging, and thought-provoking learning opportunities taking place at all the schools in Encinitas Union School District. Some of the programs I find particularly interesting are problem-based and service-based learning projects through which students use research, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creative thinking skills to solve and/or assist with real life problems. Some of the projects I have seen involved students examining water conservation, how organisms exchange energy, animal survival systems, why people migrate, and playground concerns.

Favorite meal at a local restaurant: I love to eat out in Encinitas. We have so many unique and delicious restaurants. One of my very favorite restaurants was (the ) Sage Grill. I especially enjoyed their goat cheese salad and their brie quesadilla. 

Ideal Encinitas day: Most days are ideal in Encinitas. My ideal day would include blue skies and blue waters from sunrise to sunset. I would start my day with a walk from Moonlight Beach to Swami’s and breakfast at or any of the other great restaurants along Coast Highway on the walk back. In the afternoon I would return to the beach for lunch and swimming and finish my day with happy hour at the with friends to enjoy a gorgeous sunset. Did I mention I love the ocean and our beaches?

Favorite civic organizations: has to be one of the nicest in San Diego. I am also a member of and a

Favorite Encinitas event: I love the .  It is such a wonderful family event that brings our entire community together to celebrate the holiday season.

Best thing about living in Encinitas: I love the sense of community and the small-town feel that is present here. It also doesn’t hurt that we have beautiful weather most of the year and are situated on the Pacific Ocean.

Best place in the city to watch the sunset:  Sunsets at the are gorgeous.