Candidate for
Board Member; Huntington Beach City School District

Hi! Let me tell you a little about me and why I'm running for school board. I grew up in La Habra, the other end of Beach Blvd. I attended Ladera Palma Elementary School, Imperial Jr. High, and Sonora High School, all public schools. I graduated from USC with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After college, I went to work as a Project Manager. I have worked on multi-million dollar energy projects managing hundreds of people at a time in Africa, the Middle East, and here in California. I have also overseen the construction of schools and housing for less fortunate people in Africa as part of my company's social projects.

It was in Africa working on these social projects I realized the importance of quality education for everyone. Dictator Joseph Mobutu destroyed the education system in Zaire where I first worked overseas. He did it to protect his power and control over the country. Educated people were the biggest threat to stop his corruption. Since Mobutu was ousted from power, the people of the country have tried to rebuild their schools. They know the importance of education. I was so happy that I could be a part of that rebuilding effort. However, with Zaire's (now Congo) limited resources, their task is near impossible.

Here in Huntington Beach we have the resources to have a top-notch educational system. Mismanagement and the "system" have prevented us from achieving this objective. Money has been squandered and issues sidestepped. Many families are sending their children to private schools or home-schooling. The result is public school attendance is dropping. We need to make our schools better to get our kids back in the public schools.

We have an unique opportunity here in Huntington Beach. There are schools that are unused. Just imagine re-opening one of the closed campuses as an Academy of Educational Excellence. It would be a school run by the parents for the students. Based on a strong curriculum where respect for family, community, and country would be paramount, we have the opportunity to do something special for our children.

Let's get back the point at hand. These schools are an asset for the whole community. Youth sports leagues need the grounds for fun enriching activities. Other organizations use the facilities for a variety of other activities. So many others just use the grounds for a safe place to play. The schools also provide open space that we are in short supply here in Huntington Beach. During emergencies we will need the schools for shelter. Selling our schools is unwise and short-sighted.

I am financing my campaign myself. I will not achieve any financial benefit from being elected, nor will my company, Aera Energy LLC. I am running for School Board to protect Huntington Beach's assets and to improve significantly the educational system of our schools.

Please help to save our schools. Vote for me, Robert Schaaf, on Nov. 4.