Candidate for
Board Member; Cypress School District

I believe that declining enrollment, due to the statewide economy and high real estate values, has had a significant impact on the Cypress School District budget. The successful closure of one school this year was carefully and thoughtfully handled by representation through a School District committee, comprised of District staff, City staff, PTA, teachers, parents and School Board. Every option should be explored and exhausted to prevent the closure of another school. Budget cuts have been and should continue to be made as far away from the classroom as possible.

The Cypress School Board supported the formation of the Cypress Education Foundation, which manages the leasing of facilities for day care and a senior housing project.The Foundation generates approximately $700,000 per year to augment the Cypress School District general fund budget. The Board is currently exploring the support of the City of Cypress to develop more senior housing projects to further support the district's budget during this period of declining enrollment.

The primary focus of education is about a child's ability to read and write. The Cypress School District was just awarded the prestigous Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association for the Individual Reading Plan. The program was designed to help ensure that a child's individual reading needs are addressed by the classroom teacher. The District has successfully continued to maintain low class size and high test scores.