Candidate for
Board Member; Kernville Union School District

Our children's future self-sufficiency and success as adults begins with a sound, basic education. It is the school board's responsibility to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to learn. I believe we must go beyond the minimum requirements and challenge each child to reach their highest potential. We need to set the bar higher and increase the level of expectations. Most students, when asked, will meet their teacher's expectations of themselves, but if the expectation is too low, then the student has not strived to be the best they can be.

I believe that the public elects Board members to lead the community regarding elementary school matters and to set academic achievement standards. I will work to raise our expectations so that each child strives to do their very best. For example, it is time that returning homework the next day no longer be "optional" for students. Consequences must be imposed that motivates each and every student to do the work we expect of them, and teachers and administrators need the Board's support and leadership to accomplish this. Board policies should be made that leads our community into a bright and hopeful future, rather setting standards lower to placate a few people who consider a sound, basic education unimportant.

The public's participation (especially parents of our students) in school board meetings is vital to the success of a public school system. I will endeavor to solicit comments from the public on matters before the School Board. It is not in my nature to "rubber stamp" recommendations presented to the Board. I will always gain a thorough understanding of each issue presented to the Board for an official decision, and I will always consider the long-term effects such a decision will have on the quality of education in our district.