Educational Priorities Paso Robles Unified School District

By Kathleen (Yankee) Hall

Our Paso Robles schools are in crisis. Not only are we dealing with the effects of a serious fiscal crisis and low API scores, we are rated 6 out of 10 statewide and even lower if we consider similar schools. I see the results in the children with whom I work, and I see it in our community when parents try to get their children in other school districts.

I believe that success for our children begins with early childhood education. This is especially true of bilingual children. I intend to fight hard for this strong addition to the education system of the Paso Unified School District.

I support a culture of achievement in out students with parental involvement and student mentoring. I want to make sure that our schools work more closely with Cuesta college. I want to increase the support of all stakeholders including parents, colleges, local businesses and the city of Paso Robles i.e. City Council and Chamber of Commerce.

Our greatest asset of our school system is the teachers. We need programs to attract, retain and train our teachers.

In order to accomplish the above, we must have a board who knows budgets and can insure fiscal responsibility and stability. Budget training should be a priority for all school board members.

I strongly support the new school superintendent, Chris Williams, and promise to work closely with him to achieve common goals for this school district.