Candidate for
Board Member; Petaluma Joint Union High School District

As a Petaluma native, graduate of Petaluma High, son and brother to two amazing educators, I'm sensitive to the positive impact that education can have on our youth and community. My passion, vision and communication and problem solving skills will enable me to help build stronger schools, and in turn, a stronger community. My leadership skills have evolved from my youth as an Eagle Scout at 13 years old, Vice President of Tri-Valley 4-H, founder of the Gay Straight Alliance Club at PHS, founder of the nonprofit Scouting for All Organization and being an active community volunteer. Currently, I am the president and co-founder of the non-profit Race for Kids, executive committee member for the Lymphoma-Leukemia Society Man/Woman of the Year Award and Director of the Petaluma Kids Gran Fondo. As a former GATE student who overcame a reading disability, I have experienced first-hand the impact education has on our youth in building self-esteem, compassion and teaching them to become good citizens. I am eager to give back to the school district that helped me become who I am proud to be today.

If elected I will:

1) I will bring a shared decision-making approach to the school board by going out to the schools and holding open forums for students, parents and teachers. I feel that, in order to build stronger schools, it is necessary to collaborate with the students, parents and teachers. I want to help create an educational culture where teachers feel they are being heard and valued, where parents become partners with their child's teacher in providing a learning environment where students feel safe and are motivated and excited about learning.

2) Work closely with the parent advisory committee, teachers and the parents of Hispanic students to address the language and cultural needs of these students. I want to be a part of creating an educational culture in our schools where our Hispanic students and students from other cultures and parents feel they are a part of the educational process rather than outside observers.

3) Work with our students, parents and teachers in helping to create an educational culture that values our teachers and promotes communication between students, parents and teachers

4) Follow the parameters of the Local Funding Formula (LCFF) and (LCAP). I will identify educational funding needs by holding open forums with both parents and teachers. This will insure fiscal responsibility and will have the greatest impact on providing an optimal learning environment for our students.

If elected to the Petaluma City School Board I would see myself as being a voice for students, parents and teachers. I would advocate in their best interest by supporting an educational environment that creates excitement for both teaching and learning.

Thank you for your support and vote,

Steven Cozza