Candidate for
Board Member; San Mateo-Foster City School District

Ellen Mallory Ulrich Biography

When my husband, Peter, and I made San Mateo our home thirteen years ago, we chose it for many reasons. We love the proximity to The City, the small town feel with big city amenities, the conveniences within the city boundaries, the richly diverse community and the outstanding school system. We've made permanent roots in San Mateo and we have a vested interest in ensuring that the benefits of living here continue for our two daughters.

My experiences have prepared me well for the challenge of serving on the San Mateo-Foster City School Board. They have been varied, and they have given me an important view of educational, governmental, financial and organizational issues. They all fit together to help me work with others to develop creative solutions.

Educational:

Most recently, I served for two years on the Baywood Site Council, the second year as Chairman. The Site Council is a state-mandated committee that includes the principal, teachers, administrative staff and elected parents whose goal is to increase school effectiveness, improve student achievement and prepare students to be responsible citizens. It develops curricular and instructional programs for higher student achievement. For our special project we studied Social and Emotional Learning programs for implementation into our school curriculum and we worked with parents of English Language Learners to better communicate with each other. Another important activity was working with Superintendent Pendery Clark to open communication between the district and our parents.

Some of my other activities within the district have given me valuable experience. I served on the Proposition 98 Parent Action Committee where we conducted a public campaign to influence the legislature to honor the funding initiative approved by the voters. For two years I was editor of the school newsletter, the Baywood Breeze, which I developed into a communication tool for the PTA and administration.

Governmental:

I have been on the San Mateo Park and Recreation for four years and was just appointed by the City Council to another four year term. I was Chairman for the past two years and presided over Commission meetings and study sessions. I participated in the Park and Rec Department's Strategic Plan that surveyed residents to determine demographics, life styles, visions for the future, complaints and basic needs. I was part of the Budget Review, where the department faced 20% cuts + one of the largest cuts in the city. We met with Foster City's Park and Recreation Committee to discuss partnering projects and to learn from each other about strategies for dealing with challenges in the future. I understand and am comfortable with public boards and with analyzing and acting on budgets.

Financial:

Prior to becoming a parent, I worked for large corporations and consulting firms for thirteen years. I analyzed financial statements and solved issues related to contracts, operations, programs and personnel. I have an MBA from the University of California, Irvine, one of Business Week's top 50 business schools. I have experience in and am comfortable with budgets, statements and solutions. Being creative when faced with financial crises is the most important thing a board member can offer.

Organizational:

In order for this diverse district to be successful as a whole unit, there needs to be communication between the each and every board member and the administration, teachers, students and parents. As Site Council Chairman, I opened communication between the administration and our school by inviting Dr. Clark to our Site Council meeting where we discussed misconceptions and brainstormed solutions. The Board must foster this communication with every school. We need to share experiences, ideas and solutions. No school is an island. Every school in this district faces similar issues + they are community issues. The Board MUST address creative ways to bring different neighborhoods together and search for common ground. Then, our middle schools will blend more successfully. I want to work with the administration, the teachers, the parents and the students to bridge these gaps. San Mateo and Foster City are incredible communities with incredible children. Let's promote our successes and unify the community!

Other Information:

I have a BA in Political Science from Principia College and an MBA in Finance from the University of California, Irvine. I currently have a small business that specializes in handmade handbags, painted furniture and accessories.