Quality Education for All Our Sons & Daughters

By Larry Moody

Tooling Students for the 21 Century Marketplace.

Every students needs to be prepared to compete in this 21 Century Marketplace where the competition is Global not Local. At Sequioa, we have to continue to push and provide support and resources for our highest achieving students. AP Classes should continue to provide a clear path to the Top Schools in the nation for the students of the District. Students who are not candidates for the Top Schools should have a path to success as well. Technical Trade schools and Community Colleges are great options for many of our students and they should be encouraged to pursue those opportunities. Every parent wants the best outcome for their student and the Board should be active in communicating with the community on what opportunities the District offers. Board member should be responsible to hold communities forums on topics of interest to the community, especially after attending State & National Conferences. The Ravenswood District is the 2nd largest feeder into Sequoia. As a former Board member raising my family in East Palo Alto, none of the other Candidates can offer the Board my perspective of Education barriers & challenges, this community faces. This view point is necessary for a well rounded effective Governing Board of Trustee's.

I support Charter School that offer a clear alternative form of Educational Outcomes like Big Picture High School supported by Former Trustee Sally Stewart who served on the board for 29 yr. Big Picture accepts the fact that all Students have different gifts & talents and some learn differently and need a curriculum that motivates & inspires learning.

One goal is to move the Board meeting back to a time where parents can attend. Starting meetings at 4:30 for close sessions and 5; 30 for open session doesn't work for many parents especially, those with Transportation challenges. Most districts begin public session at 7-7:30. Board meetings should be televised; like other districts .The goal is to enhance parent/community participation not limits it.

Teacher Development on 21st Century issues is critical for assessing whether students feel a connectedness to the school. Training on Urban issues and poverty indicators is essential in working with today's student.

As a Educational Leader of the Ravenswood City School District community, (Board member 2006-10)...I know 1st hand the commitment and resolve of Ravenswood Teachers to prepared student to compete in today's 21st Century community. As Board President of the Ravenswood API scores were raised 68 points. We provided a balance Budget every yr. Class room education was protected and we avoided faculty layoffs. We at Ravenswood passed two parcel taxes to assist with Teacher Retention. The Ravenswood Education Foundation was launched during my watch, which has contributed over a million dollars in revenue and service to the District in just four yrs.

Sequoia is a Great District I wish to be apart of the visionary team of leaders that will prepare our Students to become contributors to the 21 Century Community.

Blessings Larry James Moody for the Sequoia Union District High School Board

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