Candidate for
Board Member; Desert Sands Unified School District

I have served on the Desert Sands Board of Education for 26 years.In those 26 years, I have observed continual growth in test scores, graduation rates and progressive/visionary curriculum. Desert Sands continues to finish in the top three districts throughout Riverside County in all categories of measuring student success. The designation of the Lighthouse District has been earned and is deserving. Desert Sands strives to hire quality teachers, administrators and support staff. We have accomplished this goal by having our staff recognized on the local, county and state levels. I want to remain a part of this successful team that continues to offer extraordinary opportunities for children.

I have been married 44 years to MaryAnn who is a community servant and also served as President of The California School Employees Association. Our sons Matt IV and Joseph are graduates of Indio High School (in the Desert Sands District). They both have completed Bachelor Degrees and are successful in their professional careers.

I am a Marine Corps Veteran and a member of American Legion Post #519. I served as President of Rotary and have been actively involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Coachella Valley, YMCA of the Desert, the Arthritis Foundation and Angel View Crippled Children. I've earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree from California State University, Northridge, as well as graduate coursework at The University of Southern California. I hold life credentials in Teaching and Counseling.

I was employed for 32 years at College of the Desert as Instructor, Counselor and Administrator.