Candidate for
Trustee; Ohlone Community College District; Area 2

GIOVANNINI-HILL FOR OHLONE COLLEGE BOARD 2014 Experience that Counts!

Introduction:

My name is Jan Giovannini-Hill and I am a candidate running for reelection to the Ohlone Community College Board, Area 2 seat this November. I have over 47 years of experience within public higher education. Through the years, I have served at every level, from instructor to staff to administrator. I recently retired as a University Financial Analyst at a local CSU, so I have first hand knowledge of what challenges our public colleges and universities are facing today, and I have the skills and experience to ensure that resources are used wisely. I started my own education at the community college level, and all four of my children attended Ohlone College. I believe this gives me a valuable perspective on what issues community college students and their families are dealing with.

I am proud to be endorsed by the Alameda County Dems, Congressman Mike Honda, Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski, Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett, and numerous other elected's in our area.

Why are you running:

I believe access to higher education is the way for our children and students of all ages to achieve personal empowerment and success in life when they are ready to seek it. Ohlone College provides an affordable opportunity for everyone to pursue their aspirations and develop their unique talents. But tough budget times have been threatening the quality and accessibility of our local colleges. I am running for the Ohlone College Board for the students - to protect quality, access, and affordability, and to make sure that students have the opportunity to succeed when they are ready to.

Three main campaign issues:

1. Transparency, budget stability, and fiscal oversight will be among my top priorities. I want to work collaboratively with the Board to prioritize spending to maximize benefits for the students and find smart ways to implement budget cuts in difficult economic times if needed.

2. Promote Ohlone College to be a regional leader in workforce development and job training by creating innovative partnerships with local industry leaders within the Green Tech and High-Tech communities, to prepare our students for the highly skilled jobs of the future and bring more recognition to this District.

3. Protect core classes and curriculum to ensure that our students graduate or transfer on time. Whether they seek to move on to four year universities, or learn a specialized trade or skill, I want to work collaboratively with the Board to make sure that Ohlone College remains a viable local option for our students and lifetime learners to continue on their path to excellence and success.

What makes you different from the other candidates running for this seat?

I have tremendous respect and admiration for my fellow candidates. However, as I have mentioned before, I have an extensive academic background and experience that allows me to offer a unique perspective that I believe is still needed on this Board.

I have been a working mother for a very long time, and I started my own education at the Community College level. All four of my children attended Ohlone College, which gives me the unique perspective on the numerous challenges that students and working families are facing today.

Most importantly, I have over 47 years of experience working within public higher education. That includes working with students, faculty, staff, community members, parents, and administration. I have a working knowledge of budgets and finance, and want to ensure fiscal responsibility as we continue to move through the state's budget issues.

And having been involved in our local Tri-cities community for over 30 years, I have networks and regional knowledge that will benefit this Board as we attempt to form innovative partnerships with local industry to strengthen workforce development opportunities here in this area. I think I have the `complete package' of higher education experience and knowledge, along with community support and networks gleaned over time that will strengthen the Ohlone College District if reelected to this Board.

Closing Statement:

With a lifetime career working within public higher education, I really feel a responsibility to give back locally. I want to continue to bring my expertise and unique perspective to this Board in particular, to work collaboratively to meet the challenges that our students, staff, and faculty face, and to propose innovative solutions to make Ohlone College a leader throughout the region and across the state. We can lead the way in job training and workforce development, partner with local industry leaders, and prepare our students for the skilled, high paying jobs of the future. I believe my unique experience and background as a Financial Analyst, a former instructor, and a working mother of students who attended Ohlone College give me the insight and perspective to continue to serve this Board and College very well. With a lifelong career in higher education, I would be honored by your support and VOTE this November. Thank you very much.

Want more information? Please visit:

Website: http://www.Jan4Ohlone.org and http://www.smartvoter.org or Facebook page JAN GIOVANNINI-HILL FOR OHLONE COLLEGE 2014

Contact info: 510-299-4505 FPPC: 1368385

This item was computer generated in-house.