Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Atascadero Unified School District

BIOGRAPHY

I was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and graduated from SLO High in 1978. After attending Cuesta College and then Santa Barbara Business College, I began working as a bookkeeper.

After our first daughter was born, I reduced my bookkeeping hours, and began working part time with the Parent Participation Program in SLO. I also took on a volunteer position as a statistician for Alpha Crisis Pregnancy Center in SLO.

We moved to Santa Margarita in 1995, and I downsized my paying job again to become a classroom volunteer the following year when Kailyn (our older daughter) started Kindergarten. I continued volunteering in classrooms at Santa Margarita Elementary for 10 years, until Shaley (our younger daughter) promoted to Junior High.

In 2002 I was elected to the School Site Council at Santa Margarita Elementary where I held two consecutive 2-year terms, and served as chairperson for the last two years. I also served as GATE representative, Safety Sub-committee Chair, Parent Survey Coordinator, and District Advisory Committee Representative for Santa Margarita Elementary.

In 2005 I was appointed to the Atascadero High School Site Council as vice chair, and also served on the High School Accreditation Committee.

In 2006 I was elected to the School Board. As a Trustee I also serve on the Board's Budget Sub-Committee, the District Wellness Committee, and the Superintendent's Budget Advisory Committee.

In addition to my duties locally, for the past two years I've been a member of the Executive Board of the Tri County Education Coalition, and this year I was elected to serve as President. The Tri County Education Coalition represents Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Counties, and works to educate our legislators in Sacramento regarding the needs of our regional schools and the students we serve.

I was also elected to serve as one of two Delegates to the California School Boards Association, representing San Luis Obispo County, and I've been enjoying this job for the past two years.

I'm doing what I enjoy the most - working with kids and educators, and promoting healthy, respectful living and learning! I look forward to continuing this rewarding work. Thank you for your continued input and support!

Sincerely, Tami Gunther