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Alameda County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Nielsen "Niel" Tam

Candidate for
Board Member; Alameda Unified School District

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

I Will Work to Fulfill Alameda School Board's Commitment to Our Community

My Promise to Alameda's Children...

  • After 38 years as a teacher and principal in the Alameda School District, I have a unique perspective like no other board member. I managed two elementary schools and know first-hand what it takes to improve our schools.

  • As principal of Washington and Miller elementary schools I worked with my parents, staff, and school community to achieve double-digit growth in test scores and improve our schools.

  • As a school board member I will strive to do the same for all of Alameda's students.

My Promise to Alameda's Teachers...

  • I taught in our schools for 38 years. I have a deep respect for the challenges our teachers face with limited resources. I understand that teachers need support to address the academic, physical and emotional needs of students in our community.

  • I respect our teachers as professionals and value their knowledge in working with children.

  • As a school board member I will continue to collaborate with Alameda organizations to support the needs of our teachers so they can better serve our children.

My Promise to the Alameda Community...

  • I continually work to build community and family resiliency by engaging community partners at the neighborhood level.

  • As a principal, I collaborated with the American Red Cross and the Koshland Foundation to provide disaster preparedness training for families living in Alameda's West End.

  • As a school board member, I will continue to involve the interests of our community in my decision making for Alameda's students. I will also continue building on my relationships with community organizations, the City of Alameda, and our schools, to leverage resources for our students and families.

Proven Leadership...

  • I have demonstrated my ability to address budget challenges. By looking creatively for solutions, I was able to raise $350,000 for an elementary school playground through non-conventional collaboration with the PTA, US Coast Guard, Alameda Rotary Club, outside foundations, and non-profit organizations.

  • As a school board member, I will use this same resourcefulness in taking on the challenges that the Alameda School Board currently faces with budget shortfalls.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 8, 2008 15:24
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