Candidate for
Board Member; Ventura Unified School District

Mary has been a Ventura resident for 18 years. She and her husband Matthew have three children - Gavin is 17 and attends Foothill Technology High School; Clare is 14 and also attends Foothill; and Henry is 7 and attends Loma Vista Elementary.

Mary received a B.A. in Business Economics from UCSB. She then worked in Washington, D.C. as an intern to a State Senator, before entering Loyola Law School. Mary received her J.D., and began working as a lawyer at a large national law firm in downtown Los Angeles. After moving to Ventura, Mary spent her time raising her children and volunteering in the schools.

During her first four year term on the Ventura Unified School Board, Mary initiated the "visioning" effort, bringing together diverse community and school stakeholders to engage in an effective discussion about Ventura Unified's priorities and long-term vision. This work resulted in Ventura Unified's new mission statement, vision statement, and guiding principles.

Mary has also been actively involved in helping to strengthen the connection between families and their schools through her involvement in the Ventura Unified Family, School, Community Partnership Committee. This committee consists of highly dedicated parents, principals and Ventura Unified staff, united in the common goal of supporting our students.

Mary has been a strong voice for sustainability and environmental stewardship. As a board member, Mary helped to draft Ventura Unified's Green Schools Resolution - a statement of Ventura Unified's commitment to sustainability and the promotion of policies and actions that help our district tread more lightly on the Earth. In alignment with this philosophy, Mary serves as the board representative on the Ventura Unified Green Schools Committee and is the Chair of the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance.

Bringing more money into our classrooms has been a focus of Mary's for over 12 years. Mary continues to serve as a board member for the Ventura Education Partnership, Ventura Unified's education foundation. The VEP raises money through the Festival of Talent and Summerfest for important classroom resources.

Mary's involvement in Ventura Unified began as a PTA/PTO parent and classroom helper, as well as her work with the district in implementing one of the most comprehensive integrated pest management policies in the State.

In 2000, Mary united the community to protect elementary school children from pesticide drift across the street from Mound Elementary School. Her actions ultimately led to statewide legislation addressing the need for stricter controls of hazardous chemicals near schools.

Mary understands the connection between a strong community and a strong public education system and will continue to passionately advocate for the resources and policies necessary to give every child the education they deserve.

Please visit Mary's website at http://www.maryhaffner.com