Candidate's Statement of Qualifications

By Dan B. Walden

This Statement of Qualifications summarizes my views on the success of Walnut Creek School District, why I enjoy serving as a school trustee, and the qualifications that help me to represent this community well.

Date: October 8, 2006

For: General Election on November 7, 2006

Candidate: Dan B. Walden

Governing Board Member, Walnut Creek School District

Education and Qualifications:

It has been my pleasure to serve as a trustee of Walnut Creek School District since November 1988. The genuine sense of caring for children and teamwork for their success is apparent throughout the district. To foster this teamwork, the district Governance Team has focused on strategic planning that includes parents, teachers, classified staff, administrators, board members, and both civic and business leaders.

Collaboration for children has helped WCSD continually improve student achievement. With the focus on teaching and learning, all of our schools are recognized as California Distinguished Schools.

My wife, Anne, and I have been Walnut Creek residents since 1976, and our children have attended district schools. We strongly support public education and those who teach our children. I hold a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

I retired from a career with Bank of America in 2003 and returned to work in 2004 for the California School Boards Association (CSBA). I presently lead a group of consultants who teach effective governance practices to board members and superintendents throughout California. This role reflects my long-standing commitment to professional development as a school trustee that led to several leadership roles at the state and county levels. I served as statewide president of California School Boards Association in 2002 and chair of the Pacific Region of National School Boards Association in 2003.

Our public schools will continue to face the challenges of higher expectations and limited state resources. Working together, we can meet these challenges. I ask for your support to continue representing you as a governing board member, and I ask for your involvement to help our students, schools, and community be the best we can be.