Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Natomas Unified School District

I believe that education is not just knowledge, but a social and intellectual journey that prepares and guides us for life.

It's time to put kid's first! While growth in our district deserves a close eye and careful planning, our energy should also be focused on what happens inside our schools. Teachers need to have the tools to do what they do best: Teach. Students should have a safe environment, with appropriate teacher:student ratios.

The learning environment should be surrounded by staff who ensure the facilities are clean and safe, that scrapped knees and hurt feelings are cared for, that children are fed healthy lunches, and that our students have role models everywhere they look at their school.

Parents should be empowered to participate in the success of their children starting with the first time they step into a school office. Our district should provide opportunities for parental involvement through teacher and staff home visits as well as parent training programs.

I want to serve the Natomas Unified School District Board because my leadership, background, and skills are what our district needs to achieve its potential.

I believe leadership should immediateley focus on four areas needing improvement. First, we must improve the learning environment, beginning with a commitment to full class size reduction (K-3). Second,we must improve and maintain teacher and staff morale and our ability to attract and retain the best teachers and staff. Third, we must improve the connection between schools and community so that everyone directly benefits from a first class school district. Strong schools make strong communities! Fourth, we mustimprove the ability of parents to support the work of our schools, and visa-versa.

My leadership is results oriented, success focused, proactively inclusive, responsive and accountable. I come from a family of educators and teachers. I am a leader and manager experienced in making difficult, responsible decisions and have worked extensively with children and teenagers. My most cherished roles are father, husband, coach and community volunteer.

SUMMARY

Give schools the leadership and tools they need to educate our children for life.

I and my running mates, Gary Davis and Sue Heredia, together commit to the following:

Prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a global economy in the 21st century.

Enhance traditional curriculum and the "three Rs" with supplemental enrichment programs and support services that promote problem-solving, critical thinking and hands on applications of literature and math to the real world.

Involve teachers, staff, parents, students and community volunteers in developing solutions to the complicated issues our district and community face.

Respect and listen to those closest to the educational process. They are the experts.

Have a plan. Implement the plan. Be leaders, not reactors.

Our kids, and our community, deserve a first rate school district. No decision should be made that does not move us further towards that goal.