Nancy Malcolm's beliefs

By Nancy Ann Malcolm

• The TUSHD Board needs to re-connect to it's source.
• Summer School needs to be reinstated in the District.
• I have first-hand employee high school experience and knowledge.
• Community is paramount to me.
• We can ensure a bright future for our youth.

I believe that the Tamalpais Union High School District Board needs to re-connect to its source: parents, students, teachers, community, and staff. I believe that the communication level needs to increase between these groups. I believe Board members would broaden their knowledge base by listening to the many varied constituents within this District. Listening and incorporating these voices is what I would accomplish as an elected Board member.  

I've watched what has happened with the scheduling process and it's impact as course requirements and District outcomes are changed or eliminated and administration hasn't solved the problems being created. Graduation requirements and course practices continue to be eliminated or lowered. Counselors have been requesting options for low income students for the last year without response. 

It's unfortunate that the Board decided to eliminate summer school without envisioning it's impact and providing support. Having worked with Redwood's counselors, I was aware that at-risk and low income students may not be able to afford the cost of taking graduation required courses through outside agencies. I was aware that students who received D/F grades would struggle with 4-year college eligibility. I was aware that the current 2013-2014 school year is when the impact of this decision would hit. Students would have to double up on classes, thus impacting many other departments. It's not rocket science. It's common sense. It's listening to the people who know what's actually happening at our school sites and having personal knowledge and experience.

I bring first-hand experience and day-to-day knowledge of how schools actually function, having been an employee in the counseling office for 15 years at Redwood High School. I worked in the District Office two years prior for a total of 17 years. I acknowledge that research is needed to provide direction for student services offered within the Tam High School District. However, I realize that a researched plan of action doesn't always agree with the reality of implementation. Matching the Board's vision with the District's mission statement to increase practical student achievement is what I would provide as a Board Member.

We can ensure a bright future for our youth by re-connecting with our constituent voices once again, and communicating with our students, parents, teachers, community and staff members. Community is paramount to me, having lived in Marin for over 25 years. I not only worked at Redwood High School, but also volunteered on leadership and vision committees for many years. I was Redwood's Classified Employee of the Year in 2009 and understand the essential role classified employees play in providing a quality education for our students. I currently volunteer at Hillside Church in Corte Madera, providing food to the homeless and needy families through shelters in San Rafael and I also volunteer at my local dog park in Sausalito. 

I need your support to win a seat on the TUHSD Board. It's time for change to take place. Please ask everyone to cast a vote for Nancy Malcolm on November 5.

My FaceBook page is: http://www.facebook.com/nancymalcolm.fortamuhsd. My blog page is http://www.nancymalcolmfortamuhsd.blogspot.com

Donations should be sent to: Nancy Malcolm for School Board 2013, 34 El Camino Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925. Thank you for your consideration.