About
Learn about PCW's team and our mission & vision to support Poway Unified School District.
Mission and Vision
PUSD Community Watch (PCW) is a watchdog organization advocating for student success, transparency, and parental rights. Our priority is to make certain that the policies and educational structure that impact students in the Poway Unified School District (PUSD) are held in accordance with community values and ethics and are in compliance with California Education Code and other state, federal, and constitutional laws.
Our members are PUSD parents, students and community residents working to ensure school district misconduct is disclosed and records are accessible to the public. Our efforts are aimed to create community awareness of school district business, make sure parents have a voice in their child(ren)'s education, and verify the district delivers the highest quality education to students.
Meeting the Team
Like so many shared experiences across the nation, Poway Unified School District (PUSD) captured the attention of parents and community residents during the summer of 2020. Concerned parents and community members speaking out on issues regarding student success, transparency and parental rights at Board of Education meetings started communicating and learning from one another at rallies, district events, parks, conferences and community events. With collaboration and support from non-partisan and non-profit organizations, co-founders Lenice Sechrist, Jason Bennett, and Rachelle Babler established PUSD Community Watch (PCW) in March, 2023.
Lenice Sechrist
Founding member
Lenice Sechrist has been a PUSD parent since 2012. During this time, she has dedicated countless hours of service to her community. Outside the school district, she has taken on responsibilities as the President of a military spouses' club (2012-2014). Inside the school district she has been dependable as a classroom volunteer & photographer, room parent, PTA committee member/organizer, PTA Parliamentarian and Yearbook Advisor. The latter honored her with the title Volunteer of the Year at her child's elementary school (2019-2020). Her community involvement has prepared and fueled her passion to provide mentorship and build ongoing relationships in the PUSD community. She is committed to advocate for accountability, transparency and education excellence in PUSD.
Jason Bennett
Founding member
Jason Bennett enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was eighteen. The Marines brought him to San Diego. After the Marine Corps he went to college at Palomar and transitioned to Cal State San Marcos where he earned a bachelor's degree in business marketing. He is currently a franchisee of four Flippin' Pizzas. He is married and has two boys in PUSD.
Rachelle Babler
Founding member
Rachelle Babler is an entrepreneur, advocate and mother to two amazing humans. She is committed to advocating for transparency and parental rights. She believes that a child's education should be guided with trust, ethics and for their highest well-being and if that is not happening, it is then the responsibility of others to advocate for them.
Frank Xu
Member
Frank Xu has been a Poway Unified resident since 2009. His kids went to Canyon View Elementary and Mesa Verde Middle. He is the President of Californians for Equal Rights Foundation, co-founder of San Diego Asian Americans for Equality and board member of PUSD Community Watch. Frank served as the Statewide Finance Chair for the No on 16 campaign. He has been committing his time and effort to the cause of equal opportunity and the quality of education since late 2013. After organizing several rallies against discrimination towards the Chinese community, he realizes that the only way to empower the community is to serve and get involved.
Melinda Huntoon
Member
Melinda Huntoon spends much of her time volunteering, raising money and increasing awareness for local schools, charities and non-profits. She believes that we must remain active and engaged as parents to hold our elected officials accountable. Melinda uses her experience as an industry creative to get involved in our community both in the educational & political arenas. As a mom of 3 in the Poway area, she has a concern for our youth and the impacts social media & technology are having on our children.
