Candidate for
Board Member; Lafayette School District

Three primary issues stand out in my mind as important to the Lafayette School District: a) the quality of education in our schools; b) financial resources; and c)community communication and involvement.

Quality of Education I support the new superintendent's goal of moving our schools "from good to great". Our children deserve the very best education available, which include 1) mastering basic skills, 2) providing enrichment opportunities, and 3) health and physical well- being.

As a school board member I would seek to continually improve the education we provide in the areas of reading comprehension, writing and math. These skills are the foundation for all advanced learning, and should be the focal point of a K-8 school district. Enrichment opportunities should provide our children with experiences that allow them to grow beyond the basic skills. For example, we need to maintain our programs in art, music, language, computer skills, and science. Finally, the physical fitness and mental well-being of our children will enhance the learning experience.

Financial Resources While Lafayette is clearly in a better financial situation than many districts throughout California, our schools have been affected by the reduction in State funding. As a member of Lafayette's School Board, I would be responsible for insuring:

· Financial resources received from the State are allocated in the most effective manner, and · Revenues are being generated from as many legitimate sources as are available to the District.

As a member of the Lafayette School Board, I would address the financial needs of the District by thoughtful consideration of the alternative funding available to Lafayette School District. These alternatives include:

· Allocating financial resources to achieve our goal of quality education in our local schools; · Improving communication between the District and its primary local fundraising sources, LASF and the local parent organizations, as to the educational priorities of the District; · Developing grant funds; and · Insuring other investment and tax options are explored and evaluated.

Community Communication and Involvement

In an effort to move the Lafayette Schools towards an even higher quality of education for our children, it will be necessary for the community members to extend their passion for their individual local schools towards a more district-wide involvement.As a school board member, I would work to increase parental involvement in District activities.

I further believe grassroots political efforts can be one of the most effective means of serving one's community. Hence, my decision to run for the Lafayette School Board. I believe it is crucial that School Board members are aware of legislation affecting education, and that they are advocates of legislation that positively affect the quality of education in our community and State. Our community has demonstrated its support of pro-education legislation in the past. As a member of the School Board, I would be responsible for communicating the effect of any proposed or ongoing legislation that directly or indirectly affects the education of Lafayette children, to allow our community to make informed decisions.