Valerie Taber

Valerie is a graduate of Redlands K-12 schools, a licensed therapist, Vice President of the Kingsbury School Site Council, and an active member of her child’s PTA. As a mother, licensed therapist, and a member of a family of educators, Valerie Taber offers a unique perspective and valuable insights to the Redlands Unified School Board. Valerie earned a BA in Psychology with Honors from CSUSB before graduating from the University of Redlands with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Through her experience as a licensed therapist, she witnessed the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement and the importance of appropriate support for neurodiverse learners. Valerie is committed to promoting special education inclusion, expanding early intervention supports, and addressing systemic issues within the Redlands School District, particularly concerning the Title IX violations and recent investigations by the OCR and DOJ. Having benefited from the Redlands Unified public schools herself, Valerie understands the significance of a nurturing school environment and aims to advocate for both students and educators through effective policy-making. She is driven by her belief in the importance of a safe and supportive educational environment for all students, regardless of learning needs, background, or identity. “At the heart of it, my platform is based on the idea that our public schools are a place of learning and support for students of ALL backgrounds and learning needs. Every student, every teacher, deserves to be supported and safe on our school campuses. A vote for me is a vote for district accountability, fiscal responsibility, and schools that are safe and thriving.”