Candidate for
Board Member; Gilroy Unified School District

I originally ran for the Gilroy Board of Education in 2002 because of the overall poor academic performance of the district, no honors programs, and limited AP classes offered at the high school. I couldn't in good conscience send my youngest daughter who was interested in science and math to Gilroy High School. I thought it was inexcusable that anyone in Gilroy had to spend $10,000+/year and drive to San Jose to ensure their sons and daughters were getting a quality education. Since then, I have passionately dedicated my time on the Board of Education to improve the quality of our programs for all students.

Since 2002, schools have advanced by all measures, the high schools offer a rich menu of AP and Honors classes, Gilroy College Academy is ranked 25th best high school in CA, we offer innovative technical programs, our graduation rate is better than the state and Santa Clara county, we've built new schools and renovated the others, and we have a aquatics center that we operate in partnership with the city. In 2014, I would be able to send any of my children to any of district schools.

As Board President in 2007, I led the search for our current Superintendent and developed an innovative process used to evaluate her. I've led the District to publish the Board agenda material on the web to promote transparency for the community, as well as to save paper, fuel, and energy costs.

I'm continually looking for examples of high-poverty, high performing schools in California and introduced the District to the remarkable performance of Sixth Street Prep School of Victorville, CA. We invited the principal of that school for a show and tell and a number of principals have adopted their model. The elementary schools that follow their model with fidelity have shown great improvement.

There are many challenges facing the school district:

1. The transition to Common Core Curriculum is a massive undertaking for all schools. The Board must ensure that staff has the necessary resources and professional development needed to make a graceful transition.

2. Technology is very expensive + both in the initial purchase and through on-going maintenance. Even worse, if not done correctly, technology will be a real distraction and drag on student academic achievement. We need to clearly understand what works and what doesn't work before making large investments in technology, and we also need to invest in professional development for our staff.

3. We need to accelerate English Language Learners in becoming proficient in English. In order to do this, we need to focus on elementary education. More attention and resources need to go to boost English language learning early on.

I have a record of demonstrated leadership, 12 years of experience, and a passionate commitment to excellence which I will apply to the continuous improvement of our schools. I ask for your vote in order to continue building a school district in which we can all take pride.

Questions? Call me at 408.848.2602.