LOOKING BACK, UNDERSTANDING NOW, FOCUSING on the FUTURE

By Teresa Hampson

What's been done well in the last 12 years, where we are now, where we should be

• Increased test scores K-12.

• Kept salaries competitive to hire the best staff.

• Brought aging campuses up to date.

• Celebrated 6 California Distinguished Schools and 1 Title 1 School of Achievement.

• Involved parents as learning partners.

• Embraced technology as a learning tool.

• Maintained rock-bottom drop-out rates.

• Balanced budgets in difficult times.

• Enhanced academics, the arts and athletics.

• Graduated more than 5,000 students---the vast majority of whom have gone on to college and career success.

Since 1985, as a classroom volunteer, PTA leader and BOUSD board member, it's been my privilege to help make the good schools of Brea better. Working side by side with staff, students and parents, I've seen curriculum and instruction improve, test scores rise, aging campuses again become comfortable, opportunities in academics, the arts and athletics expand, and thousands of students graduate, go out into the world and do well.

There's a great deal to be proud of when it comes to Brea's schools: strong academic emphasis, amazing athletic accomplishments, growing and successful arts programs, a nearly non-existent drop-out rate, and site and district staff that oversee this and more with skill and talent and heart.

I believe in the schools of Brea.

But I also believe they can be better---and never should rest on today's success.

Fiscally, this means that we must spend every dollar wisely, focusing resources on student learning and ensuring that competitive salaries allow us to hire and retain the best staff.

Structurally, this means that all students and staff must have safe, comfortable, welcoming places to learn and work, and that the tools needed to do these tasks well is available. Completed modernization, planned high school expansion and a new eastside school should solve our short-term space issues, but ongoing building updates still will be needed, and keeping current with technology is always a continuing focus.

Academically, this means doing a better job of truly challenging and supporting all students, ensuring that basic skills are learned early, that reading, writing and critical thinking are continually emphasized, that teachers have time to talk, share and plan together, that parents are supported as learning partners, and that all work together for kids.

Administratively, this means ensuring that Brea's schools are steered by capable and caring leaders who understand what quality is---and know how to inspire all to pursue it.

These are the continuing goals I believe in for Brea's schools, and these are the things I will work hard for, should you return me to office this November.

Many thanks in advance for your support!

Teresa