INTRODUCTION...

By Leslie M. Austin

Who I am, and what I stand for...

I'm a 17-year resident of the Aromas-San Juan area, the current Community-School Alliance facilitator, former president of Bookbuilders West--a national nonprofit education association for publishing professionals--and a longtime Girl Scout leader. I've watched--and carpooled, and volunteered--as my two daughters made their way through Aromas School and Anzar High School. As an Army brat, I sampled schools from Texas to Virginia to Germany to California. I went to public schools and believe in them. Working as a college textbook editor keeps me in touch with higher education as well. I believe in...

GOOD COMMUNICATION I'm a leading member of the Community-School Alliance--an outreach program formed in partnership with parents, community members, and local school and district officials. Our primary goal is improved communication. I believe strongly in keeping open the channels between parents and schools. Informed opinion and respectful debate are the paths I've always favored.

PREPARING ALL OUR STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE Every Anzar graduate is qualified to attend a California State University. College admissions officers and the students themselves say that our Graduation Exhibitions program--now used by many high schools--is the single most valuable preparation for college. College may not be the choice for every student, but every student should be prepared to make that choice.

SERVING ALL OUR STUDENTS WITH INDIVIDUAL NEEDS Let's ensure that students with disabilities know the satisfaction of academic success, and students with limited English know the satisfaction of academic success in English. When all students succeed, the district succeeds.

HIRING AND SUPPORTING THE BEST TEACHERS We have an excellent record of hiring the most qualified teachers in the Monterey Bay area. We need to retain the best teachers by offering competitive salaries and benefits, professional development, and recognition for boosting student achievement.

I'm known as a listener. I want a board that listens attentively, that's respectful, fair, and will take the long view of what's best for our children. I'm also a hard worker. As a parent, I want trustees who are as passionate about education as I am.