Candidate for
Board Member; Windsor Unified School District

My name is Clay Mitchell, and I'm asking for your vote for Windsor School Board. I'm a product of Windsor schools and am raising my young family here. With an almost 3-year old (and another on the way), I'm thinking about my children's future in this district. My educational and professional background center around communications and business, strengths that I will apply to the challenging issues facing the school board. I bring a fresh perspective, and an understanding of the modern challenges facing our youth.

Occupation

While I'm involved in several entrepreneurial projects, the bulk of my income comes from activities in the wedding industry. I am an owner of a "boutique" production company based in Santa Rosa. In addition to providing entertainment and audio/video services for weddings, our company also produces a large bridal show twice a year at the Wells Fargo Center, and we are founding members of a wedding planning service/resource center for brides getting married in the Wine Country.

I'm also president of a real estate development corporation, working primarily on a precious metals mining/milling project in Virginia City, NV.

Why am I running?

I'm tempted to claim that it's for the copious amounts of money that they pay School Board Members, but I doubt that you'd believe me (and rightly so!)

First and foremost, I'm committed to my community and welcome an opportunity to get involved. I have an almost-three-year-old son, and a daughter due in December- I'm ready to work to maintain the quality of Windsor schools with an eye to THEIR schooling. The challenges facing our schools are substantial and show no sign of abating soon. I bring a fresh perspective and a distinctive skill set to address these challenges. My private-sector management experience, coupled with my communications background form a valuable addition to the board.

I'm NOT running because I think I have all the answers, but rather to be a "community agent"--to listen intently to the ideas and solutions suggested by parents, teachers and students themselves, and to transform those into viable and productive actions and policies. There are substantial decisions that are being made by the school board, now and in the near future. These include the selection of a new superintendent, the selection and development of a new elementary school site and closing the remaining $1.5 million budget gap.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

Several things set me apart. While I am no stranger to civic involvement and leadership roles, I am a fresh face in the political realm, and I count that as an advantage. It allows me to approach the challenges from a fresh perspective, untainted by special interests and prevailing schools of thought.

I am also from a newer generation- my school experience more closely resembled that of current students, a factor that allows me to relate on a different level. And while not as adept as many of our youth at the use and integration of technology, I have worked hard to become familiar and proficient with these modern tools, devices and processes, and understand their impact on society and learning. Fundamental shifts in the way we share information and connect with each other require the consideration of the education establishment. If our schools are not adapting and integrating these changes, our students will be left behind.

Finally, I am a product of Windsor schools. I moved to Windsor when I was 6 years old and have called it my home since then (with the exception of two short absences). I've watched it grow from a "wide spot on the road" into a wonderful, bustling community, and have followed and been involved with that growth process. My roots in this town run deep and provide a unique perspective.

Thank you for considering me to represent you.