Candidate for
School Director; Berkeley Unified School District

I am passionate about public school education and am committed to Berkeley Public Schools being the best in the nation - known for having the highest academic standards, instilling a life-long joy of learning, and supporting students social-emotional and creative needs.

I believe that students are most successful when school and family partner together and that includes listening to parent voices in making decisions that impact children as well as working with parents to support their child's learning. And, I recognize that in the complex world of today, that public schools must partner with our City, regional public agencies, university and community college, local non-profits, businesses, trade unions, and others to expand our resources to provide the academic, mentoring and other student services that will inspire and support our students to reach for the stars.

I successfully fought for the adoption of the first district-wide student achievement plan and since its adoption, we've made remarkable and consistent academic success in furthering the education of all students - focusing on critical thinking, literacy, and math confidence. I have also successfully championed anti-bullying, conflict resolution, and family partnership programs as well as the important role that music, art, gardening, and other hands-on learning experiences play in developing a life-long joy of learning for our students.

I believe what distinguishes me from other candidates is just this experience. I have a proven track record of how to lead our school administrators, our families, the City and other public agencies, including our local university and community college as well as the broader community, in furthering student learning. And, I have earned a reputation in thoughtfully hearing and carefully considering all voices before making decisions.

If re-elected, my first priority is to continue providing leadership in building upon our successes in advancing student achievement through focusing on 21st Century curriculum/Common Core educational priorities, teacher training/evaluation, and early/consistent academic and social-emotional intervention. I also will continue to emphasize sound fiscal management and creative partnerships with the City, our university and community college, local non-profits, and other community members and am committed to the development of a District-wide Facilities Master Plan that will address classroom, technology, career-technical, and athletic space needs.

I also plan to lead the Board in developing a strong career-technical program that is tied to expectations of college preparedness. We need to open our student's eyes to all possibilities - becoming the next generation of innovators (future inventors, engineers, artists/artisans, and scientists); becoming our nation's highly skilled workforce able to compete in the new global economy; and/or becoming tomorrow's entrepreneurs - so they are prepared to take their place in the world. I believe in making sure that our children are academically prepared and social-emotional strong to take their place in the world. I believe that excellent, responsive, and creative teaching is fundamental to student learning and that investing in teachers through professional development is key to furthering student excellence.