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Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for David J. Neighbors

Candidate for
Board Member; Berryessa Union School District

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

DAVID J. NEIGHBORS is the right choice because he is a:

  • product of our school district, having attended Toyon and Piedmont Middle schools.
  • role model for Berryessa students, providing a positive example of what any one of them can achieve.
  • financial professional dedicated to providing improved oversight and transparency to district finances.
  • committed volunteer who has brought resources to our schools and students.
  • spouse of a teacher in the district, which helps him understand the needs of our teachers, staff, and, most importantly, Berryessa students.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the youth of my community in this leadership capacity. It is a privilege to be a role model for the students who are in the same classrooms of my youth."

"I have been involved in the district for many years and my wife is an elementary teacher in Berryessa. I see becoming a member of the Governing Board of Trustees as a way for me to continue my involvement while making the best use of my years of experience as a parent and community member in the district."

Berryessa District Involvement:

  • Member, Berryessa District Advisory Committee
  • Member, 2008 and 2009 Budget Task Force
  • Member, 2008 Parcel Tax Committee
  • Former Chair, Bond Oversight Committee
  • Former Chair, Human Relations Committee
  • Former Member, Revenue Enhancement Committee
  • Volunteer, Toyon Elementary School
  • Member, Toyon Parent Teacher Association
  • Chaired dictionary distribution project for 200 3rd/4th/5th graders at Toyon Elementary with the Rotary Club of San Jose East/Evergreen. David J. Neighbors has a life-long commitment to our local schools and children. He is a "home-grown leader" having attended Berryessa schools. As a Governing Board Member of BUSD, David will work to improve financial oversight and work for equitable distribution of resources across the district. Most importantly, David will be an advocate for our students and their needs. As a product of the district, he will be a great role model and champion for our children.

"I love living in the neighborhood where I grew up. It gives me strong roots in the Berryessa community and an even stronger commitment to the youth who live here now."

Growing up in Berryessa Born and raised in East San José, David has called San José home nearly all his life. He attended Toyon Elementary, Piedmont Middle, and Independence High schools. As the youngest son of five boys, David grew up in a working class home. His father was a mailman, while his mother worked the swing shift in the canneries. Thanks to an athletic scholarship, David was able to go on to San José State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and, eventually, a MS in taxation. Education was very important to his family. Two of his brothers were educators, one at a local high school and the other taught at community college. Today, David still lives in the same Berryessa neighborhood with his wife, Debbie, who teaches at Toyon Elementary, and two daughters.

Leadership & Community Involvement Leadership came early to David. As a middle school student at Piedmont Middle, he was elected to serve on the Student Council. Today, leadership and community participation are regular family activities in the Neighbors' home.

  • Board of Trustees, National Hispanic University
  • Member, East Side Union High School District Audit Committee
  • Member, Rotary Club of San José East/Evergreen
  • Member, San José Leadership Council
  • Graduate, Community Leadership San José
  • Advisory Board Member, Academy of Finance at Independence High School
  • Coach, North Valley Youth Soccer
  • Junior Achievement Volunteer, East Side Union High School District

Professional Life David is now a well-respected Certified Public Accountant. He is the partner in charge of tax at Johanson & Yau Accountancy Corporation, a mid-size local firm. As a financial professional, David has also worked for national accounting firms and private corporations. He also shares his expertise, sitting on taxation and financial committees of local and state organizations.
  • Member, San José Chamber of Commerce Taxation Committee
  • Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Secretary, Cal Society of CPA's, San José/Silicon Valley Chapter
  • Member, State Committee on Taxation, Cal Society of CPA's

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 9, 2010 21:13
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