Candidate for
Board Member; Oakley Union Elementary School District

My name is Mark Jordan and I currently hold the position of Board President on the Oakley Union School District Board of Trustees. I have been on the board of trustees for the past sixteen years. During these years we have made and seen many changes in the district. We have grown from two schools to our current five and by this time next year we will be at six. With the groundbreaking for our sixth school recently completed, we continue to look toward the future with the current planning for our next three schools. Our goal of course is to never have over crowded schools again as we did sixteen years ago.

Our educational programs have continued to reach new heights because of the overall commitment, dedication and hard work of the teachers, staff and the Board of Trustees. When I originally ran for office, one of my platforms was to not have children that fell through the educational cracks. I can say that with the many programs and educational opportunities the district now provides, before, during and after school, all students have the opportunity to learn and excel. I understand that not all children learn at the same level or at the same pace. I also know that while everyone may not be gifted in the core subjects reading, writing, math or social studies, they are good at something. Their gift may be in art, music, drama or technology and it is our jobs as parents and educators to find these strengths and build upon them to improve on the weaknesses.

I believe in our school district and our community. I have been a resident for the past twenty years. I have two young adult sons that have gone through our school district and still have two sons in school here at this time, one in Kindergarten and one in seventh grade. I have coached in many of our youth sports organizations and have been involved in the Boy Scouts. The Oakley Chamber of Commerce once bestowed the honor of Community Service Person of the Year on me. I am currently a member of the Laurel Elementary PTA. As a member of the California School Boards Association, I have continued my education attending courses and educational programs dealing with timely issues, laws and educational codes.

It has always been an honor for me to be able to represent your interests as a board member in our school district. I am seeking your continued support by asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 8th, 2005.

Sincerely, Mark S. Jordan