Candidate for
Trustee; Fresno Unified School District; Trustee Area 5

In this campaign, as in my previous two, I accept endorsements, but NO FUNDS from individuals or organizations. I pay my own way, never exceeding $1,000. My wife is my campaign manager, and my friends help me pass out pamphlets, which I create myself.

My reason for this philosophy is that my votes and decisions as a board member can never be construed as as being affected by campaign contributions; STUDENTS in the district are my top priority. I have been outspent by thousands and of thousands of dollars each time I have run for the school board, yet managed to win two elections. I strongly believe money should not determine the outcome of an election, but the quality, reputation and integrity of the candidate should be the determining factor.

I am completely dedicated to the education of all children, and have never been in a situation where I owe a vote or a decision to any individual or organization due to their monetary contribution. My vote is and always has been for the children in the district. I stand by my integrity, dedication and record as a board member.

My goal is to reinstate ALL programs and people that have been cut by the district in this budget crisis. The district must go through systemic and structural change to prevent budget cuts we have experienced over the last few years. These changes must bring about long term solutions.

The district is currently proceeding with a third party audit that will verify the numbers are accurate as far as the budget is concerned, and that if changes are not made we will have to cut over $30 million dollars from the budget. We cannot make these cuts. These cuts will mean all exta-curricular activities will be eliminated, more people will lose jobs, and children, schools and the community will be hurt.

This can be prevented by re-negotiating the contract with FTA and making the adjustments needed in the area of health benefits. Health benefits cost the district $13,600 per employee, with the cost increasing each year; total per year is over $100 million. Salaries and benefits have increased from 83% of the total budget to 94%.

Our enrollment is declining, resulting in further loss of funds and the state cut Prop 98 funds in half because of the huge state deficit. Prop 98 funds cut in half resulted in a loss of over $30 million dollars the district would have otherwise received from the state. We must constantly evalute programs and determine is they are academically and cost effective.

HIring a new superintendent is of utmost importance, especially under the present budget situation. We need a knowledgeable, well-rounded person, a person who can make difficult decisions, and someone who can educate, inform and bring more of the community stakeholders into the fold. We need a long-term superintendent providing stability to the district.

Academic acheivement of our students and classroom instruction has always been my top priority, and we must balance the budget, hire a new superintendent, and reinstate programs and people that have been cut for the betterment of all our students. Working together we can solve the problems of the district for the long term.