Candidate for
Board Member; Orinda Union School District

I have three children in or entering the Orinda school district: a son in 7th grade at OIS, a daughter in 5th grade at Del Rey Elementary, and a four-year-old daughter in preschool. I have had children in the school district since 2004, and will continue to have students in the district until 2020. I have been very involved in their schools, and my family has actively participated in many community organizations, including CYO basketball, OMPA swimming, OYA soccer, OBA baseball, rugby and scouting.

In addition to working in my children's classrooms as room parent, party planner and similar positions, I have taken on even more involved positions in the Parents' Club at Del Rey. I am continuing in my role as the legislative representative for Del Rey to the local PTA, was treasurer of Del Rey's annual fundraising drive for two years, was the Del Rey representative for the Measure A parcel tax, co-chaired the school's annual parents' party, was co-chair of Operations on the school auction and, prior to that, worked on local solicitations for the auction. Each position has given me insight into the budget challenges facing the Orinda school district and a great deal of experience working with other parents in the community.

I am an attorney and practiced as a business litigator and employment lawyer for seven years before my son was born. I have significant experience solving problems, negotiating with others, advocating where necessary for change and building consensus to obtain results.

Both my husband and I attended public schools, and my mother was an elementary school librarian for over 25 years. Having enjoyed my own public school experience, I am committed to providing an excellent public education to all the children attending the Orinda schools.

My professional and volunteer experience will make me an ideal school board trustee. I have the skills to think critically and analyze issues affecting the district. I am passionate about public education and ensuring Orinda continues as one of the best school districts in California. It has been a great privilege working with so many talented and committed people in this community, and I will enjoy working collaboratively to accomplish the board's primary goal: providing Orinda students with the highest quality education.

The following is a summary of my relevant experience:

EDUCATION:

J.D., University of Southern California (1991)

B.A., Psychology, State University of New York at Stony Brook (1986)

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Attorney, business litigation and employment law, Stanislaw Ashbaugh, LLP, Seattle, Washington (1994-1998)

Attorney, business litigation and employment law, Ervin, Cohen & Jessup, Beverly Hills, California (1991-1993)

SCHOOL VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS:

Legislative Representative for Del Rey, Las Trampas Creek Council Legislation Team (2009-present)

Co-Chair, OIS Science Talks series (2010-present)

Measure A Representative (Acalanes Union School District parcel tax), Del Rey (2010)

Annual Fund Treasurer, Del Rey (2008-2010)

Co-Chair, Del Rey Parents' Club Annual Event (2008-2009)

Co-Chair, Operations, Del Rey Parents' Club Annual Auction (2006)

Local Solicitations, Del Rey Parents' Club Annual Auction (2005)

In-Class Volunteer (room parent, party planner, math assistant, hot lunch), Del Rey (2004-present)

FAMILY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Brownies/Girl Scouts (2008-present)

CYO Basketball (2007-present)

Lamorinda Rugby Association (2006-present)

Moraga Valley Pool Swim Team (2005-present)

Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts (2005-2009)

OYA Soccer (2004-present)

Orinda Baseball Association (2004-2006)