My background, the Issues at hand and how I can help.

By Catherine E Fraser

These are reasons why I would be a great board member.

Why choose me? I bring years of business experience to the table, having started Fraser Advertising from my home, adding additional companies, raising revenue to over $6 million, employing a dozen associates and then selling it at the right time over 13 years later. Being successful in business takes a little luck, a lot of common sense, and the intelligence to surround yourself with great people. Another key to success can certainly be contributed to community involvement.

We became a member of the Chamber of Commerce and I have served on its board of directors for many years. In addition to co-chairing the membership drive, I sit on several committees including the very active and well-attended education committee. It is an honor to serve with other key players in the community, from business owners and management, to dedicated public servants.

I am also honored to be a Sequoia Awards board member and serve as Publicity chair. These awards remind us as to how great some of our kids really are. I serve as Advisory for the Redwood City Education Foundation as it is important to provide a quality, well-rounded education for our children that includes the arts. Have worked with the Girl Scouts in their advancement committee to ensure that scouting remains for Every Girl, Everywhere. And Volunteered at the YMCA teaching swimming lessons and have recently joined their board. In addition to all of that I teach a Marketing class in Small Business Development at Canada College and speak on my craft to a number of organizations.

My involvement in this community has allowed me to find support a little easier for all of the projects I work on wherever I need it, be it in donations of money, time or advice and access to key people in the area.

One thing that will assist me here is the fact that I've lived abroad. At first I did not speak their language, nor understand their culture. Having experience in a foreign environment has developed in me a true sensitivity to what many of our students and their parents are facing here. Although not completely bilingual, I can communicate in Spanish with just about anyone.

One big issue in our district is improving the academic levels of our ESL students. Continuing to provide support and materials while investigating successful endeavors in other communities is something I am strongly committed to. Their success is truly reflective on all.

One of the great things about this district has been an extraordinary ability to partner with the community and various businesses to add services and update facilities. This group has really worked to reap huge benefits from the alliances forged. The after-school programs are working, are in demand and need expansion to all schools. That will take some additional help from our community partners. I plan to work hard to obtain as much help from the community as possible.

Should I sit at the decision making table you will find me to be a hard worker. I laugh a lot, am never afraid to speak my mind, I examine all sides before making decisions. I am considered to be fair, honest to a fault, friendly, and fairly intelligent. I offer these skills to you so that together we can continue to improve services in the system. Above all, what we need to do is to remember that the students are our first priority.