Candidate for
Board Member; Woodside Elementary School District

I believe I have the qualifications to help our School achieve these important goals. While all the candidates would be fine board members, my background would bring a unique perspective to the School Board. I would be honored to have your vote.

GOALS FOR WOODSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Excellence in Education

Woodside is already a very good school, with energetic, caring administrators and a fine, dedicated teaching staff. I believe the most important objective should always be keeping the focus on helping each child, each year, develop to his or her full potential.

The School Board must continue to ensure that we hire and retain the very best teachers. We can do this not only by offering competitive salaries, but also by creating a stimulating environment that encourages teachers' creativity and innovation. I want to integrate new best practices in education, while at the same time maintaining what makes our school unique.

Solid Values, Character and Leadership

A complete elementary school education also means instilling in the children at every opportunity solid values, character and leadership. This will help them meet the many challenges that lie ahead and become productive citizens and contributing members of their communities.

Continuing the Tradition of Community

I am convinced that one of the reasons Woodside Elementary is such a good school is the enthusiastic support (and not just financial) from the greater Woodside Community. As someone who grew up in Woodside - I moved here 32 years ago when I was 5, and was a student at the School from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade - I have a deep understanding of how vital it is to maintain the strong bond between the School and the community, and as a Board member I would strive to do so.

Sound Finances

It goes without saying that our small school must remain on a strong financial footing. We are fortunate that we live in such a generous community. Without donations to the Woodside Foundation we would never have been able to maintain our excellence in the arts and other programs. Nonetheless, it would be financially prudent to try to reduce the percentage of the School's budget that is dependent on annual fundraising efforts.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at elianne@ourmail.com.

Thank you very much.

Elianne