Position Paper #1

By Jeanne Bassett Fernandes

Background for and priorities regarding Jeanne Bassett Fernandes, Candidate for Trustee, West So. Co. High School District

I am a Sebastopol native, and an Analy graduate. I grew up in the Twin Hills area, but my husband is a former Gravenstein student and both of my children graduated from Gravenstein School. My daughter is currently at SRJC and my son is a Junior at Analy. Over the past 14 years I have worked to improve education and broaden community awareness of our schools as a parent volunteer and now a board member at both Gravenstein and at the High School level.

Students are my priority. I believe we must do what is in the best interest of our students; I believe their voices need to be heard and that all of our students should be equipped to take their place in society as well rounded, reliable, respectful, and productive individuals. This can only be accomplished in stable and safe environments.

It is equally essential to maintain continuity and stability within our district in light of California's uncertain financial future and the multiple challenges our district faces every year. I offer that continuity and stability, and welcome the opportunity to continue serving our entire district as one of your Trustees. Keeping good, strong leadership keeps the effort going!

Below are just a few of the accomplishments that have occurred within our District during my service as a High School Board member: Safety improvements on our campuses including; emergency cell phones, cameras and Analy's grant for the "Cops on Campus" program Analy and El Molino yearly rank at or near the top Academically in our County Laguna named, `Model Continuation High School' for an unprecedented 4th time Our sports programs are some of the best in the county, with a very high number of academic athletes participating... the last 4 Valedictorian's were athletes The Analy Auto Shop program was saved from the `chopping block' and is now run by the County ROP program 75% of the entire Class of 2004 have passed the new High School Exit Exam The Analy Plaza became a beautiful reality after 8 years in the making The El Molino campus now has a beautiful new library, roofs and most class rooms have been modernized Analy's Theater continues to be renovated with new a curtain and cushioned seats El Molino will have new lights for their football field this Fall

My continuing goals as Trustee include: Expanding school, community and business partnerships Providing relevant, engaging, diverse and technologically-advanced curriculum Maintaining safe, tolerant, healthy and caring campuses Promoting clear communications and mutual respect among students, parents, teachers, administrators and trustees