Why Am I Running?

By John Zaring

Given the State's budget crisis, not one decision the next board makes will be easy. This cold, hard reality fuels my decision to step up and serve. I pledge to protect the classroom from devastating budget cuts and narrow the achievement gaps between our schools. I will ensure that Castaic High is not only built but meets the community's expectations. I will be humbled if given the opportunity to represent all of Castaic's children in these challenging times.

I am prepared for the challenges ahead because I've been listening and participating as an involved parent for years, not months. Over the past decade I've been directly engaged in the struggle over Castaic High School. I founded CUBS + Castaic United to Build the School + in an effort to fill a leadership vacuum, collecting over 1000 signatures during a petition drive and organizing and moderating multiple community meetings. In 2008, I served as Campaign Manager for Measure SA; the $300M school bond passed with overwhelming support and provides the full funding to build our school. While some obstacles remain, just a few weeks ago Superintendent Castellanos and Hart's entire board publicly reaffirmed their commitment to open Castaic High in 2013. Ten years late in coming but coming nonetheless!

I am a problem-solver by nature and believe a challenge is something to be overcome, not to scream about. If elected, I will never let emotion trump logic, and I'll bring optimism and energy to my responsibilities. I pledge to protect the classroom from devastating budget cuts and narrow the achievement gaps between our schools. Finally, I will ensure that Castaic High is not only built but meets the community's expectations.

I will be humbled if given the opportunity to represent all of Castaic's children in these challenging times.

Thank you for your consideration!