Linda Mayo, 2014 Candidate Statement

By Linda Mayo

California's public education funding has stabilized! Program restoration is underway. Responding to parent and staff feedback, I've voted to add counselors, restore 5th grade music, increase graduation requirements, approve contract increases to attract and retain exceptional teachers, classified employees and administrators.

In each decision, I must balance what my heart tells me is needed for student success with what the district's financial well-being can support. It's easy to spend money. Prioritizing what comes first takes experience, resolve. As your 17-year veteran trustee, I've shown I can do this work.

• I value communication, transparency and data driven decisions.

• I support preschool, kindergarten, students reading by third grade, writing well by fifth, completing algebra by eighth, passing the high school exit exam by tenth, graduating career or college ready; genuine parent engagement.

• Teachers are embracing new standards and student expectations: rigorous curriculum, collaboration, technologies skills, oral and written communication, extensive research, and solving complex problems.

• High schools offer over 25 career pathways: bio-medical, communications, construction, computers, engineering, environmental, hospitality, law, multi-media, robotics, technology, and transportation. Student achievement and graduation rates are improving.

• Measure C constructed 70 classrooms, installed technology infrastructure, and air-conditioning + improving health year-round. Athletes welcome modernized sports facilities.

• Contra Costa Times' Barnidge declared MDUSD's solar project `beneficial;' savings support operational expenses. I base my decisions on education research, best practices, continuous conversations with educators and community members, regular school visits observing teaching and learning, and my 36-year PTA involvement.

Dedication, Service, Integrity, Experience! -- (925)937-0804 | mayo4mdusd@aol.com