Leadership - Education

By Tom Pico

Tom Pico's overview of Education in California

"My father, the son of Portuguese immigrants, was orphaned at the age of 9 and quit school after 6th grade to work in the fields. I was the first in my family to achieve a college education, and the first to earn a living with tools other than a short-handled hoe. I understand the value of a quality education + not only to our young people, but for the vitality of our economy and our society.

"Without question, first-rate public schools must remain the top priority of California state government. Approximately fifty percent of our $100 billion state budget goes to fund our public schools, community colleges and the UC system. This makes education the biggest target for cuts. In the funding battles ahead, we need to insure that our schools continue to receive the resources they need to help students achieve the high educational standards we've set for them."

In Pleasanton, Tom has worked with the school district to build supportive partnerships, something he feels could translate to the state level. For example, the City of Pleasanton assists with the cost of libraries, recreational facilities, a theater and school site security, resources which are then shared with city programs outside of school hours. This creative, "outside the box" thinking allows both the city and the schools to stretch public dollars for the benefit of all our kids.

A life-long supporter and mentor of our youth, Tom was a founding member of the Pleasanton Youth Collaborative. The Collaborative resulted in the creation of a "Youth Master Plan" which Tom is currently working actively to implement. He has been active in Scouting, youth sports, and local school activities.

A few people from the Education Community who endorse an support Tom are:

• Karen Wind (former Newark School Board Member)
• Pat Kernan (current PUSD Trustee)
• Kris Weaver (current PUSD Trustee)
• Cindy McGovern (retiring PUSD Trustee)
• Chris and Brian Bourg (veteran educators)
• Linda and George Garbarino (veteran educators)
• Brenda Weak (Instructor at Ohlone and Las Positas Colleges)
• Karen Halliday (Las Positas College President)
• Joan Tenbrink
• Art Tenbrink (Las Positas College Instructor)