Vote for Kerry Friend

By Kerry M Friend

The election is here and I encourage everyone to get out and vote. This election is important, as 3 spots are open on our 5-member school board. Voters have a chance to make their choice known, as there has not been a school board election since 1992. I believe the school board needs a change, and I would like to be a part of that change.

I'd like you to consider voting for me for school board because of what I have to offer. I am a parent of a 5th grader. I have been a room parent and am currently a co-room parent. I have done chemistry magic shows for classes at Cayucos Elementary and have volunteered at numerous school events. I received a $500 grant to bring a class to Cal Poly for a day of chemistry activities for Mole Day in October of 2008. I have baked goods, participated in PTA, sold many fundraising tickets, volunteered in the classroom, helped console students on flu shot day, helped with the Halloween Walk and Carnival, set up for Peace Day, make costumes for class plays, etc. I am an active parent and I will continue being an active parent.

I am involved in the Cayucos Community. As an active member of the Cayucos Lioness Club I help with the many fundraisers that benefit our Cayucos children. My husband is on the Cayucos Volunteer Fire Department and a Cayucos Lion and I help and support them when needed.

I am also an educator. I have taught junior high and high school, and I currently teach at Cuesta Community College and Cal Poly. I have experience with our school and the education system. I am committed to education and firmly believe in continuing to support our wonderful school and staff.

Times are tight. We have issues. We are not administering a school district for our benefit but for our children's, for their future, and the future of our communities. Let us acknowledge that we are in this together, and in times of great need it is more important we stick together and make difficult decisions after conversations that the entire community is invited to participate in. For it is through shared knowledge and honest and open communication that we will pave the way to better days for us, and for the children we serve. In looking to the future of this board, we need to sort through the issues and narrow our attention to the most pressing. One immediate duty the board will face will be hiring the next Superintendent. The new Board will choose, direct, evaluate, and set clear goals for the Superintendent. I embrace the challenge of selecting a new leader for our school.

I will work towards creating an easier way for policy questions to be answered to concerned parents/guardians and community members. I will strive to make important policy issues more transparent to the public. How? One way to do this is the school website. Last school year and this year the school-wide area of emphasis is technology-based support of students, staff and parents. It's time to focus on our area of emphasis. Let's have Board Agendas and Minutes on the website.

Our district is currently a Basic Aid district. This means most of the revenue received is linked to property taxes. In this troubled economic climate, if property values decrease, so will our revenue. If this happens, district revenue could then depend on Average Daily Attendance (ADA). Our economy is so unstable that money will continue to be a challenge. The Board does not have any say over the state budget, but does have to be fiscally responsible. At October's Board meeting, a letter from County Superintendent Julian Crocker stated that for now Cayucos Elementary is projected to stay Basic Aid.

I bring a fresh perspective and listening ear. I will contribute my ability to be a team player to listen to community concerns with an open mind. I have respect for different points of view and pledge to listen to all. I will operate as a community representative to make decisions in the best interest of our children. Additionally, I will promote positive relationships within our Cayucos community as well as with our Cambria community.

I'm asking for your vote.

Respectfully,

Kerry Friend