Service to the Community is the Best Work of Life

By Robert N. "Bob" Hathaway

This paper outlines my reasons for seeking re-election as a Governing Board Member of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District; how my background and service to the community has inluenced my effectiveness as a Board Member; a vision for the future, that seeks to keep our High Schools GREAT through the continuity of proven and successful leadership; and a brief outline of successes achieved in our District during my 25 years of service as a Board Member.

By Robert N. "Bob" Hathaway Governing Board Member, Fullerton Joint Union High School District

I was recently asked why I had become a School Board Member. In reflecting back, on the days when I was first approached to seek the position, I remember how honored I felt that someone would consider me to be qualified to serve in this office. After considering the scope and responsibilities of the office, I decided that serving as a School Board Member was the next step in my focus on service to the community that has been at the center of my entire adult life.

When I completed college in 1958, and our family began life in Buena Park, we became determined to be an active part of this fast growing area. With the support of my family, I became active in various service organizations that are committed to building a better community. I have lived in Buena Park and Fullerton for 52 years, and during this period I have served organizations in different capacities and have worked on numerous community projects. I have been given many awards and recognition for this effort, but the experience in leadership, satisfaction from the many wonderful project outcomes and the knowledge acquired about the area was the best reward I have received from this service.

In initially deciding to seek election to the Board, I felt that I had the experience and knowledge, and that there was no better way for me to touch the future than to have an impact on the educational opportunities of young people. I believe that this record of community service and accomplishment, along with my diverse careers as an engineering manager, attorney, and mathematics teacher, has had a positive influence on my service as a Governing Board Member. It has equipped me to be responsive to the needs and requirements of all the parents and students of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. It takes time to be an equipped and effective Board Member. I am proud of the outstanding accomplishments of our students, while I have been on the Board of Trustees, and I look forward to continuing the superior educational opportunities being afforded to all of our students.

This service, which is summarized in my Detailed Biography, has been the best work of my life!

An illustration of how this service to the community and the commitment and stability of leadership (by myself, my fellow Board members, and our dedicated District staff)has worked, is summarized below:

• High Quality Educational Programs and Opportunities for All Students

Magnet programs, and Academies in the fine arts, business, medical, engineering, culinary Career-technical programs to prepare students for the world of work

Troy Tech Program

A Comprehensive summer school program at each school, which are the most extensive in the area

Supported the International Baccalaureate and expansion of Advanced Placement Courses

• Advocated Special Programs to Expand and Augment Learning

Through my 17 years as a Board Member on the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program, I worked to bring new course offerings to the District schools to provide career-vocational courses to prepare our students for the world of work

Supported the continuation and growth of the agricultural programs at 5 of our comprehensive High Schools

Supported the growth of our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Program to increase the entrance to college for students that otherwise would not have made the attempt

Supported the expansion of JROTC Programs

Supported programs to assist underachieving, incoming 9th graders, make the transition to High School

• Provided guidance and oversight of the successful $160 million bond program to improve the learning environment for our students

This resulted in the construction and modernization of classrooms and laboratories at each campus, plus a 136,754 "bonus"building at Troy High School for the Endeavor Program. The projects were completed in a timely, cost effective, and safe manner. Over $90 million was obtained in State matching funds

Grants were received from the State for $4 million for Career Technical Education to modernize facilities

Supported design and construction of a new La Vista (Continuation) High School and La Sierra (Alternative) High School for $34 million, using only State matching funds, redevelopment agency funds, and no general obligation bonds

• Consistently sought to manage District funds and resources for the benefit of students

This resulted in the establishment of "savings for the rainy day," that have been used to continue our core program during the State fiscal crises without losing any classroom time

• Improved accessibility, transparency and inclusion of all stakeholders in the educational process and Board activities has always been a high priority

Built partnerships with staff members, students, parents, and the community

Supported efforts to increase involvement in the budget process through the budget study committee comprised of parents, community members, and staff

Assisted in obtaining five consecutive, three-year employment contracts with all staff, which permitted the District to focus on instruction rather than negotiations

Very high approval with the schools, the District, and the Trustees was indicated by staff, parents and students in a survey taken in 2009