Candidate for
Board Member; Carmel Unified School District

My name is Rita Patel and I am seeking election to the Carmel Unified School District Board of Education. If elected my priorities include the following;

• Support ALL students' interests and training for post high-school career choices: We do a fantastic job in catering to students who will go on to a higher education. But, not all children are university bound. I would like to see trade related skills offered to the students in this district. I would work to set up vocational opportunities for our older students who decide not to go to college. Carmel High School can offer "Vocational Day" just as we have College and Career Day. On one Vocational Day, local construction companies, restaurants and hotels can make presentations. I want us to give these students a future, not just a diploma.

• Work to keep class sizes small: Our teachers and students deserve to be in an environment where both parties do not feel overwhelmed and all feel supported. I would like for us to try harder to maintain smaller classes at all our schools. Optimally, I see class limits being 20 children at elementary school, middle school at 25, and at high school at 25. If we need to hire more teachers and aides to support these goals, I'd like to make it possible.

• Enact a more effective anti-drug, alcohol and bullying program: Just say NO program is NOT WORKING well enough. We need more than threats and consequences to make kids not partake in these activities. I would like to start an investigative group to get more into the social causes of these plagues; to focus more on the root of the cause and really dig in and find out what is going on. I want every child in this district to feel that we adults are HERE for them, and will help you catch yourself before or when you fall. I support a hotline and/or more time set aside for counselors to help and support these at-risk kids.

• Create more transparency and communication between the school board and the parent community: I have seen email communications from other school districts outside of our county. In many places, the district updates parents on topics that need attention or simply send informative emails on important decisions that were made that will be important to the parents. I would like for us to have a similar practice. These communications are extremely informative and give parents a greater sense of connection and working together with the school district.

• Be Fiscally Responsible with the Tax Payers Dollars: My family moved to the United States of America to follow the American Dream. I was raised in a family where every dollar counted. I understand the value of the hard earned dollar. I was taught at a very young age to think very carefully and wisely before each is dollar spent. The cause and the effect of decisions can cost the taxpayers a lot of money. With my upbringing and realizing the American Dream to become an entrepreneur and small business owner, I will wholeheartedly be fiscally responsible and accountable with the taxpayers money.

• Recruit, Hire and Support the heart and soul of our School District, Our Teachers: I was born and raised in England. Most of my childhood and primary school years were influenced by the European Education System. I was raised with eastern family values, where teachers are to be respected and held in such high esteem more than one's own parents. I have the utmost respect for the all the teachers in the world who have chosen to spend their life educating our youth, the future of our country. I believe in supporting our teachers and providing them with the tools necessary to accomplish their goals.

Please call or email me with any further questions or comments about my goals for the future of our most important resource- our children.

Rita Patel ritapatel@allcarerx.net (831)-578-3989