Frequently Asked Questions...

By Stephen "Steve" Bevan

A recent interview with Suzanne Barnecut, a writer for the CAMPBELL REPORTER.

Information Technology Management

Age:

47

Do you have children in CUSD (or CUHSD)?

One child at DelMar High. He attended Monroe and Castlemont (K-8). Having experienced as a parent, every grade level from kindergarten through eighth, I feel through this experience, I have an insight into what works and what does not. Today, I have the added advantage of complete impartiality, as my son has moved on to High School.

Did you attend schools in either of these districts yourself?

No, I attended school in Cupertino. I've lived in our district for over 15 years.

What prompted you to run for school board the first time?

My family has had a long tradition of community service, so it was a natural extension of my parenting. My Grandmother was quoted as saying "if you are not involved in the politics, then you don't deserve to complain". My Mother, Beverly, was always involved in the schools and politics. She exposed me to it from an early age. Her involvement with the Campbell Education Foundation was a big part of why I became so interested in our schools. I got involved, learned that there was a lot to learn about school finance and administration that was not obvious to me as a parent. As a single parent, I was already very involved in my child's education, at the school site. I served on many committees and panels, also served several years on the school site council. I got involved in the district finance committee, and I was hooked!

Why do you want to remain on the school board?

I feel I have just gotten my feet wet, and it's time for another election. My first term was a short term (only two years). There is so much to learn about the laws that we have to work under to make the schools run, I spent the first two years learning, now I am truly ready to apply what I have learned.

What have you accomplished since you were first elected?

It's not really what I have done, but rather what, we as a board and a district have done. And that is a long list! We have a new superintendent who is just great, rising test scores, better-equipped students, a new preschool program, and an Even Start program that is winning acclaim from Washington! Our student achievement is higher than the State and County average! We are providing a better education and future for our children, and doing it with a smile. We have great relations between our Board, Administration, Teachers and Classified Staff. We passed general obligation bond to support the modernization of facilities last March with an overwhelming majority. While no one likes taxes, our voters voiced their confidence in our schools and the district's direction and in our commitment to provide a safe, clean, environment for learning.

What do you hope to accomplish if re-elected?

I am committed to help make the best use of our tax dollars to give our students and staff safe, clean and modern schools, where excellence is the norm and learning is effective, efficient and fun.

How will you accomplish these things?

The most obvious is to attract and retain the best teachers and staff to our district. We already have an outstanding reputation as a great place to work, but we have to keep on our toes. This valley is a very challenging place to work. We have to re-earn that reputation every day. The next priority is to finish our building improvements through the bond that our voters approved in the last election. We have to be sure to keep this project on track and on budget. We have a tradition in Campbell of delivering on promises: Back in the 90's the voters approved Measure. D to modernize some of our schools, that project was well executed, and "on budget". I expect nothing less with our present project.

What is so special about Campbell?|

One of the most interesting facts about the Campbell Union School District, is we serve a lot more than just Campbell families. Our attendance area includes Monte Sereno, Saratoga, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara and unincorporated areas.

We have a culture at Campbell of running a very lean district office. We have one of the lowest administrative budgets (by percentage) in California. We have found ways to augment our state funding with grant monies, and to "work smart", using technology to automate our process wherever possible. We are "data driven", and again rely on technology to help us target our limited resources on just the right programs and students to achieve the best outcomes and will continually raise student achievement.