Candidate for
Board Member; Sylvan Union School District

I am passionate about the education of my children. I have been impressed by the strong tradition of excellence in the Sylvan School District. However, during these challenging economic times class sizes have increased and programs which enrich our childrens' learning have been lost. Music and Art programs have been reduced or eliminated in many grades. I believe that we need to stay focused on supporting the needs of our educators and students. They are our #1 priority.

Therefore, we need to assess whether or not a budget reserve, which is in the double digits according to district administrators, is appropriate when we have increased class sizes and eliminated Music and Art programs for many of our elementary students? Is it really in the best interest of our students? We must work together to restore the enrichment programs our children once enjoyed.

If we cannot restore lost programs with current budget reserves than we must be willing to seek the assistance of our community. We must be willing to seek alternative funding mechanisms. The Gallo Center is the product of a successful partnership between public and private entities. I am interested in seeking a similar partnership to restore music and arts in our district if we cannot do it within the budget. Can such a partnership restore a complete teacher position in the Art's? Music?

We also have other ways of enriching our childrens' learning by partnering with parent organizations within our schools. Such organizations may be able to provide enrichment activities lost during the budget crisis. Additionally we can seek enrichment by soliciting expertise from within our own community. My wife recently participated in a seminar sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education which emphasized both of these ideas.

We need new ideas and solutions to the problems our school district faces. I will offer those solutions and encourage others to do the same. I will listen to parents, students and teachers. We are the stakeholders and should be a part of the decision making process. I will work with fellow board members and administrators to implement these ideas and solutions. I humbly ask you for your support.