Candidate for
Board Member; Soledad Unified School District

My name is Ira "Doc" Katz. I am seeking your vote and continued confidence to be reelected to the Soledad Unified School District Board of Governors. I have been an educator for over 41 years now. I started as an elementary school teacher in 1968.Over the years I have taught all grades from kindergarten through Graduate School. My credentials include class room teacher, school administrator, school and clinical psychologist, professor,personnel manager, union officer including the Teacher's Union .I have also worked as private practice with individuals.families,hospitals and outpatient clinics. Currently I am working full time as a clinical psychologist at the Correctional Training Facility-Soledad State Prison in the Mental Health Department.

Most importantly I am also a parent of 2 children who graduated Soledad schools and went on to college.Been happily married 26 years.Have strong family values and ethics. My wife and I were both educated in public schools. We both are very culturally competent and aware and celebrate cultural diversity in our daily walk in life. Believe in public education and good citizenship and want what is best for children, adults and the community. Having a strong educational program with a focus on making all students achieve and learn more can go a long way to reducing the prison population, crime and increasing more college and trade school graduates from Soledad. My team at the Board has been part of that for the last 8 years. Would like to continue.Need your support to help close the achievement gap.

I am a 62 years old and believe that we all need to grow and be challenged in life and leave a legacy for others. Service has always been my middle name. Giving to others and helping the hopeless, helpless and needy is part of my living biography of caring for others.

My Spiritual faith has helped anchor my life and overcome some very unique challenges like cancer. I am a parishioner of Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church.I have been a Lector and Eucharistic Minister and Bible Study Group leader.

My biography is still a work in progress. I believe deeply is people and making a difference through teamwork. The experience of being on the Soledad School Board for the last 8 years have giving me many opportunities to serve and make the kind of difference that has resulted in more of our children achieving more in all ways that matter.

Like you I want the best for my children, family, community. My vision is that no child, teacher, parent, community member, citizen will be left behind. I hope I have given you an idea of my background to support your vote on November 3, 2009. Together we can close the achievement gap in test scores, high school exit exams, scholarships, and so on. Soledad can be the educational jewel of the South County. Its up to you. Thank you for your time and consideration.