Candidate for
Board Member; Cabrillo Unified School District

I was born and raised in San Francisco and attended public schools from kindergarten through two years of college. My husband, Mike, and I moved to El Granada with our children over 40 years ago. I have always believed in public service and volunteerism. Like many parents, I started out as a parent volunteer in my sons' classrooms and for the schools they attended; served as PTA President (2 years) at El Granada; co-chaired Arts and Science Day (twice) at El Granada. I served on the School Site Council at El Granada, Parent Advisory Committee at the high school for several years, and on the District Advisory Committee.

I have two sons. My oldest son, Scott, is a history teacher and football coach out in the central valley. My youngest son, Brendon, lives in Moss Beach with his family, and his daughter is a kindergarten student at her home school, Farallone View.

My first job on the Coastside was working in the emergency room at St. Catherine's, now Seaton Hospital in Moss Beach. While I enjoyed my time at Seaton, I knew I was looking for something more fullfilling, something where I could help children. That something was Cabrillo Unified School District.

I was employed by Cabrillo Unified School District for over 27 years. My first job was as a noon duty supervisor then I was an instructional assistant in the classroom. I loved my job as school secretary for 6.5 years and then I moved to the district office where I was the administrative secretary to the deputy superintendent for 20 years. My last four working years I was the administrative assistant to the Superintendent of Schools. Those experiences in the many positions I held gave me an invaluable insight into the challenges of public education specifically within the needs of this particular school district. I also believe this has laid the ground work for me to serve as an effective governing board member.

I have contributed in bringing issues to positive conclusions in working with employee groups as part of the negotiating team. I have also spent a great deal of time working with the public and other public agencies.

As an instructional assistant for 2 years, I served the teachers and the students in providing academic support in the classroom. As part of an instructional team, I became extremely familiar with the curriculum goals and objectives and the challenges to meet the needs of all students and learning styles.

I was a school secretary for 6.5 years and enjoyed the experience of providing assistance to classified, certificated and administrative personel as well as serving the students and community. My ability and joy of working with people was an invaluable asset in this position. I learned in-depth, the demands and rewards that occur at a school site on a daily basis.

As an adminstrative assist to the Deputy Superintendent for 20 years, I was an integral part of problem solving on a district-wide basis.

As an employee, I represented the classified staff and served on the CSEA formal negotiating team for 17 years. I became intensely involved in the negotiating process and learned the importance of intrest based positive conclusions. I learned the issues facing administration and employees and experienced positive problem solving as a result of openness and respect with the district administration and Governing Board.

As the administrative assistant to the superintendent I learned district procedures, challenges and successes district-wide.

I believe a good governing board should adopt and set general policy, manage the budget and hire an exemplary superintendent. The board also needs to listen to the public and always make any decisions with what is in the best interest of the students.

I have been exposed to the many faceted financial, instructional, and staffing challenges that face the district and am confident that the experiences that I bring, both as a parent, community member and former employee, will help provide a unique insight to the board as a team member.

Cabrillo is very fortunate because the district works well and continues to strive to meet the needs of all students. The district needs to make sure that students receive a well rounded education. I feel strongly that the district needs to make sure that every child is presented with an all inclusive curriculum that will offer classes which will peak their interest and desire to learn. Physical education, playing on sports teams, technology, music and the arts along with a strong academic curriculum are very important in accomplishing these goals.

Not every child will go on to college, life skills are very important and therefore when a student graduates from the high school, they should be qualified to go out and get a job anywhere they choose or be eligible for any college they wish to attend. Either way, I want our students to become successful and productive adults.

Now that I'm retired, I have the time to give back to the district and my community. If I'm elected, I plan on being very visible in the district and at the school sites. I will always be available to listen to community concerns.

I have a longstanding passion for public education. My choice of career proves this. I am eager to focus this passion and contribute what I have learned over the past 27 years to Cabrillo Unified School District. If elected, my only agenda will be to always act in the best interest of our children and our community. I seek this office out of a sense of personal commitment to education, love for my family and my dedication to public schools and their success.