Candidate for
Board Member; San Marcos Unified School District

We have so much to be grateful for in the San Marcos Unified School District. We have wonderful schools, staffed by talented and caring educators and support staff. But, I believe we can do better and be better. Like all school districts, we are facing the worst budgetary crisis in history. This crisis must not distract the district from its core mission of providing the best education possible for our children. I believe that if we all work together, openly and honestly, we can get through these difficult financial times better than ever.

I believe whole-heartedly that we need to provide a high quality education for all students. Some students may require more time and resources. Those should be the variables not the constants. I also believe that our focus should be on the whole child, not just academic standards. I am very pleased with the current efforts to align curriculum around the balance of rigor, relationships, and relevance. With their ever increasing access to technology, students today have even more choices for how to spend their time outside of school. Relevance is key for engaging them in their studies, beyond just performing to get a grade, so that they really learn, learn deeply, and develop meaningful interests. I believe it is our mission to prepare our students to be productive, fulfilled citizens of the world who have viable options for their futures.

I care passionately about our schools, the students that attend them as well as the adults who work in them. But my motivation for being on this school board is my belief in our children. I believe that each student deserves the best opportunities that we can offer them, and I will always keep that in mind as I make decisions for this district. Developing "lifelong learners" is imperative for this generation of students. To achieve this we must be willing to challenge our teachers, staff, administrators and parents to set goals as high as those we have set for our students. Together we can ensure maximum achievement for all our students. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are strong and experienced advocates for children. I will bring an open mind and an honest commitment to improve our schools and provide the learning environment our students and educators deserve.