Candidate Statement

By Tom DeSantis

Here's a summary of the reasons why I'm seeking re-election, and information on the priority areas upon which I will focus if re-elected to the Hemet School Board.

I'm excited about the learning that takes place in our classrooms each and every day. It's an honor to serve on the School Board, where I can do my part to support our students and teachers as they lay the foundation for our community's future.

Campuses must remain safe. I worked to place deputies at high schools, and led the effort to bring canine searches to Hemet Unified to keep weapons and drugs away from schools and our students.

A school is only as successful as *all* of its students. Promoting student achievement requires environments where teachers can teach and our children can reach their full potential. To support this critical effort, I will continue to fight to limit the number of students per class because I am convinced that smaller class sizes promote student achievement. Students deserve individualized attention from teachers who have time to understand each student's individual needs.

I will continue to vigorously scrutinize how the District spends your money. I insist that the District's purchases and contracts be awarded through competitive processes to ensure that we're getting the most for each dollar we spend.

We must expand vocational programs and continue raising academic standards to prepare students for the future. As our community grows, we must creatively seek funds to build and repair schools.

I served our nation as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, and graduated with honors from The American University in Washington, D.C. I have volunteered in classrooms, served on the Hemet Education Foundation, and was elected School Board President.

My wife, Carely, and I are proud HUSD "customers." Our three children attend elementary, middle and high schools in Hemet.

Our community's future relies on successful schools. I remain committed to this critical effort, and respectfully ask for your vote.