Refocusing board objectives and restoring trust. (Evolution rather than revolution)

By Bob Ptacek

I am running for the Board to see that it refocuses on educating our children, supporting teachers, watching the bottom-line and restoring community trust in board decisions. I'm not the only one concerned about the board performance, please check out the Grand Jury Report at http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/sanmateocourts/99cabrillo.htm

The current Board of Directors has NOT done this. They have NOT demonstrated an ability to set firm, lasting direction or to maintain a course to better education. The current Board of Directors has failed to provide teachers with the tools necessary to succeed. They have NOT made correct, fiscally sound decisions. They have kept the public at arms-length.

How many times have we seen the current Board spend $5.00 to fix a $0.25 problem? Many times. Usually, the public only finds out when they only have $0.25 left to fix a $5.00 problem and they come looking for more tax dollars.

I believe that Quality Education, Teacher Support, and Fiscal Responsibility can all be used in the same sentence. But, we need the right Board. I am running for the Board to see that it refocuses on educating our children, supporting teachers, and watching the bottom-line.

I have spent the past 6 years serving the public on the Montara Sanitary District. To ensure that services and assessments were fair and equitable, the District faced some very difficult financial decisions. Some of the decisions were not popular, but I cast my vote after considering all the facts and determining what would be in the best interest of all of the customers. It's my way of fulfilling my responsibility to the public.

If elected, I will bring that sense of responsibility with me. The School Board faces important, difficult decisions. Do you want the same "fiscal accountability", "openness", "quality" and controversy that the Board has demonstrated? Or do you want something better?

I ask you to support my efforts to refocus the Board on its 3 main responsibilities. Together, we can give the children the education they deserve and the taxpayers have payed for.