Candidate for
Board Member; Laguna Beach Unified School District

My Thoughts and Ideas for the School Board

PRIORITY: SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION - Everybody agrees the selection of a new superintendent of schools is a top priority. I believe we should select a proven leader with demonstrated ability to lead others and a track record of accomplishment. My experience and position as a seasoned executive/partner/manager for a World Class Company has given me the experience of hiring and promoting hundreds of employees and executives for the past 26 years. My experience includes locating, interviewing, evaluating and selecting qualified candidates. The personal traits I look for are integrity, dedication, and spirit of cooperation.

PRIORITY: FOCUS ON READING - Many children struggle with learning to read and do not learn in the conventional way. This leads to a lack of self confidence and decreased achievement in all curriculum areas. By hiring reading specialists and implementing proven methods of learning techniques, these children can learn rapidly. Reading fluently increases children's self esteem and prepares them for a lifetime of success. School districts which have focused on reading programs have improved their state test scores. When compared to districts with similar demographics, Laguna Beach Schools show room for improvement. I believe we can move our schools forward and I know that the district has the funds to hire reading specialists and to focus on creating strong reading programs.

PRIORITY: FINANCES - Our school district is a basic aid district, which means Laguna Beach money goes to Laguna Beach Schools. I will oppose any attempt to change this funding base. As a private sector Finance Manager who has maintained a AAA rated status for the corporation (only five other companies in the world maintain this distinction),I have experience and expertise in all aspects of fiscal management. I have thoroughly examined the budget of the Laguna Beach Schools and have concerns over the policies currently in place.

Maintaining a reserve well beyond the state mandated requirement is appropriate when and only when the district has provided our children with exemplary educational programs. The current board priority is to put away $8 million dollars on top of the already set aside state required $1 million and the bond required $2 million. By 2008, we will have nearly $12 million dollars set aside earning around 5%. This is nearly $5,000 per child. I believe that our children are a better investment and that the community should have a voice in how that money is invested and distributed.

Let's listen to our teachers and invest these funds in programs and services that benefit the children.

PRIORITY: ARTS, MUSIC AND SPORTS - Children do better in school when they are involved and have a purpose. There is no better way to keep children interested in school than by providing well supported Arts, Music and Sports programs. Families in our community invest much time and effort in their children's Art, Music and Sports. We need to attract and retain top caliber teachers and coaches. As with our core teachers, we should have an abundance of capable and experienced candidates seeking employment at Laguna Beach Schools.

PRIORITY: LOCAL INDUSTRIAL ARTS - Laguna Beach High School students who wish to take ROP programs such as computer repair, surfboard shaping, wood, metal and auto shop, etc. have to travel out of the community to take these classes. Since this travel is prohibitive for many youngsters, only a handful of students are able to take advantage of these programs. I support bringing these programs to our community so that all of our children have the opportunity to participate.

Strong Leadership = Strong Schools I sincerely appreciate your contributions and support: 572 Flora Street, Laguna Beach, Ca 92651 Paid for by The Committee to elect Kelly Cornwell ID# pending