Candidate for
Board Member; Tulare County Board of Education

Ruth Stouffer

1375 Millard Way Dinuba, Ca 93618 (559) 591-1188 Fax (559) 595-1188

Rgs1@gpmetgp/com

September, 13, 2002

Background Information

I was born and raised in Dinuba. I have lived in the immediate area for all but ten years of my life. I married my high school sweetheart and we raised our family in Dinuba. We are the parents of two daughters and one son and the grand parents of three college age grand daughters.
I was a stay at home and sometimes working mother until at age thirty-five I went back to college and earned my General Elementary teaching credential. I taught for 22 years and enjoyed my career very much. When I retired from teaching, I substituted for a year and a half.
Ernie Gunther, the trustee for Area 1 died while in the midst of a four-year term. After much discussion with family and friends, I decided to run for election for the 2 years of his un-expired term. In that first election, there were four candidates and I was fortunate enough to win the majority of votes. I have prevailed in all three of the elections in which I have been a candidate. I am seeking re-election in 2002.
I believe that I am uniquely qualified to continue to serve as Trustee for Area 1. I have a background in education. I have the necessary time to devote to the requirements. I have the backing of my husband and friends. (My children live out of the area.) I have a continuing love for children and education. I take the responsibilities of the position very seriously. I have a very good working relationship with my fellow board members and the staff of TCOE. I receive many calls from constituents for help. I never fail to refer them to the appropriate TCOE staff member for help. I keep utmost in mind that I have no authority as a board member except when that board is officially meeting. I believe that with each passing year, I become a better board member. I am an honorable person. I can and do make difficult decisions especially regarding interdistrict appeals, my decisions are not always popular, but they are made following the guidelines of the laws that we are required to follow.