Candidate for
Board Member; Windsor Unified School District

My fourth-grade son asked me the same question. My immediate answer was that I wanted to provide for the best education possible for him, his sister (kindergarten) and the entire student body of the Windsor Unified School District. I believe that receiving a quality education is imperative for people to succeed in our society. My educational experiences have shaped who I am and I am grateful.

Because of this commitment and my fervent belief that everyone deserves a quality education, I have increased my local involvement each year through expanded volunteerism within the Windsor Unified School District. During our recent debate, other candidates insisted that parent involvement was the key to a good school system. Well, I have a proven track record of dedication:

I was elected and served on two different
school site councils, while also being elected as
President of the Mattie Washburn Elementary Site
Council and the Vice President of the Windsor
Creek Elementary Site Council.

I was appointed to the WUSD Finance Advisory Board
and have served more than 2 years.

I was appointed to the WUSD Bond Oversight
Committee and have served for 2 years.

I have consistently volunteered my time within the
district by attending campus cleanups, actively participating in school fundraising events, such
as the Walk-A-Thon, Halloween Carnivals, etc, and worked with students and their teachers in the
classroom.

I have been a continued supporter of the Windsor
PTA and the WE Foundation.

I think it is also important to consider the community benefits of having a strong school district. A well-functioning, financially-solvent school district enhances the community socially and economically. As a tax payer, I want get the most from our bond dollars. I feel that my knowledge of the school district's finances coupled with my professional expertise in construction and planning make me uniquely qualified to oversee the spending of those dollars.

The school district is a approaching a very exciting time. We will be hiring a new Superintendent who will have the ability to lead our district into a bright future. With this new superintendent, we will be building a new campus and realigning existing campuses. I feel that it is essential that we work with the local community to integrate these changes successfully in both the short AND the long term.

What sets me apart from my opponents is the following.

1. As a licensed architect, I have professional experience in dealing with school construction and planning,
2. I have personnel experience in dealing with the school system from the vantage point of being an active parent of two students and the husband of a former WUSD school teacher.
3. I have appointed volunteer experience dealing with the finances of both the school district and the current school bond.
4. Through my coaching and help in the classroom, I have first-hand experience of working with the student body and recognizing student needs.
5. My specific professional knowledge and expertise in green building, design, and planning makes me stand out from other candidates. I offer cutting-edge experience that will benefit the school district as it undertakes its new building program.

If elected, my top priorities on the school board would be the following.

1. My top priority would be to give the kids the best education that we can give them. I want to work with the teachers, principals, new superintendent, student body, and the community to create consensus as to how best to achieve this.

2. I hope to have a positive impact on the use of the bond dollars. I am confident that my input will impact the bond expenditures in a positive way. I also hope to bring some of my expertise in green building practice to the bond and facilities development.