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LWV League of Women Voters of California
Stanislaus, Merced County, CA November 6, 2001 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Nanette F. "Nan" (Foster) Austin

Candidate for
Board Member; Turlock Joint Elementary School District

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

PRIORITIES

1) Focus on the classrooms and the kids.
From purchases, to positions, to programs, everything the board considers should face this simple test: "Is this the best use of our resources for our children?" The educational system tends to be its own world, and we need to remember the only reason the system exists is to support what happens in the classrooms.

2) Every child's education should be special.
Let's bring what we have learned from special education and GATE programs, and apply it to struggling students and bored students in the middle. Even in this one-test-tells-all climate, the score that really counts is how many kids leave eighth grade ready to succeed in high school and in life.

3) Modify how the board operates.
I would like to see more committees from labor and relevant interest groups participating long before items are up for a vote. This involves earlier notification of when issues will arise, and more open discussion at board meetings.

BACKGROUND

I've been active at my children's schools for 13 years -- at Crane, Crowell, Dutcher and Osborn. My son, Brian, is a first-grader in the Osborn Spanish immersion program. My daughters Jessica and Mackenzie attend Turlock High School.

I represent Turlock schools on the Stanislaus special education Community Advisory Committee, advocating for students with disabilities. I am currently president of the citywide Turlock Council PTA. I served on the district's Instructional Council.

I attended Julien School, Brown Junior High (which is now Dutcher), and Turlock High (class of '74). I graduated from Cal State Stanislaus with a B. A. in Economics. I was a reporter for the Turlock Journal and Merced Sun Star. I have been a copy editor for the Modesto Bee since 1988.

All these things have prepared me to be a fair and dedicated school board member. Please remember to vote on Nov. 6.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 9, 2001 17:51
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