Candidate for
Board Member; John Swett Unified School District

I'd love to continue serving on the JSUSD governing board for the next four years, not only because I have a passion for education, but because this is an extremely exciting time for our district. Four years ago our board hired an incredibly enthusiastic superintendent who has worked tirelessly to move this district forward in positive directions. With this administration, I have observed better communication between all stakeholders (students, teachers, parents, administrators, other staff, and community members). Our District has implemented several new programs to aid struggling students, and our attendance and graduation rates have greatly improved. We are also working to bring extra curricular activities back, such as Drama and cross country running. Our vocational classes are making a huge comeback, and we are increasing the offerings of our "Careers Academy" while other districts are reducing, or eliminating, theirs. And, of course, the ongoing rebuilding/renovation/restoration/modernization project of John Swett High School is continuing as planned. Currently, a new music/arts building, and new classrooms and administrative offices are being built.

My vision for our District during the next two to three years includes the completion of the renovation/rebuilding/restoration/modernization of John Swett High School. When completed, John Swett H.S. will have classrooms that meet current California state standards for classroom size and safety codes, and improved access for disabled students and their families. And, in addition to of all that, the District will be saving thousands of dollars every year due to improved energy efficiency. With this restoration and modernization project, our high school will be a first class, state of the art facility that will retain its unique historical ambiance while providing our students and staff with a modern, energy-efficient, technologically enhanced, extremely safe learning, teaching, and working environment. In my view, John Swett High School is already a gem, but with the completion of the current construction projects it will be buffed, polished, and displayed for all to admire.

For each of the next 10 years, as well as the years beyond, I see all of our schools as being healthy teaching environments where our children can learn safely and productively, where there is zero tolerance for drugs and violence, and where teachers are always supported in doing what they do best, which is educating our students. I see schools where every student will achieve increasing success in their learning, and where they will acquire the skills necessary to meet the challenges which lay ahead of them in their lives.

Our District, like many other districts in California, has a "qualified" budget. Unless we receive increased revenue, we may not be able to pay our bills at some point during the next two - three years. This is why I strongly support Proposition 30. If it fails, the impact on our District could be devastating as we face increased costs for supplies, food, transportation, and employee health care, among other things. Another large problem in our district has been the lagging test scores, especially at some grade levels with specific groups of students. While there has recently been a significant improvement in some grades' scores, much work lays ahead of us. I believe, other than our budget problems, that this is our biggest challenge as a district, and one I will continue to work on.

While no one individual can solve our budget crisis, I believe that on the local level we can have an impact. I have had twelve years of experience on the JSUSD Governing Board, have studied our budget and come to some understanding on areas in which the District is overspending. I am determined to work to improve our budget efficiencies and accountability, and to provide our students with the greatest educational opportunities for each dollar we spend.

Next month, I will have served on the JSUSD Governing Board for twelve years. As a school board member, I am part of a team who decides issues that affect the lives and well-being of nearly 1700 students, as well as all district employees. I spend many hours preparing for each meeting, so I'll have knowledge of the issues and the agenda. I've learned to defend my position with facts, and to consider the facts, the rules, policies, and the law when making decisions. I listen to all input, listening with an open-mind when others express their (sometimes opposing) opinion, weigh the facts, and vote my conscience. I have always considered myself to be an independent thinker and have refused to be a "rubber stamp". I do not let pressure from others determine my vote. When I disagree with others, I attempt to see things from their perspective, and no matter how emotional the issue may be, I never let friendship leave my voice. I believe I serve for the right reasons, and govern for the common good.