Eric Heitz Position Statement and personal information

By Eric Heitz

This is information used as a guideline when speaking to public groups

I'll start with a little personal background information about myself. I was born and raised within the Windsor Unified district. My parents had a house on Eastside Road just north of town. My family history in this area goes back nearly 150 years. My mothers' side of the family, the Wilsons, were the original settlers of what is now Riverfront regional park. The redwood grove that stands in the park is actually named Wilson Grove. My fathers family is from Healdsburg. I am proud to say that over 100 years ago my great great grandfather planted the trees that are in the Healdsburg plaza. I, my parents, and all 4 of my grandparents attended HHS.

I am happily married for 19 years to my wife Ellen who is helping me tremendously with this endeavor. Ellen and I met on a blind date set up by two of our friends who are also teachers. Ellen too is a credentialed teacher and has taught at the primary level. She is currently a stay home mom and substitute teaches at Windsor Creek Elementary once in a while. We have lived in Windsor since 1996 and have two children. Brien is an honor roll student in his junior year at WHS. He has chosen the Axis STEM Academy as his core. Brien plays French horn in the band and plays in the SR Youth repertory orchestra as well. My daughter Sarah is in the 8th grade and attends Windsor Middle School. She is a straight A student and plays flute in the honor band. Sarah also plays U14 soccer in Windsor and ice skates competitively with the Santa Rosa figure skating club.

A TEACHERS VOICE: After high school I went to Fresno State University to become a teacher. I can honestly say I never changed my major. After finishing my teaching credentials in physical education and biology I returned to Sonoma County and took a temporary teaching job in Santa Rosa at Comstock Middle School for two years. When the temporary position ran out I applied and was hired at Calistoga Jr/Sr High school and have now taught there for 21 years. I have recently finished a Master's degree in teacher leadership. I have certifications in PBL, 21st century learning skills, SDAIE and AVID. As a teacher I have experience using Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balance testing. Working in a small district affords me the luxury of being involved in nearly all facets of the schools. I have served on nearly all committees, I have built the master schedule, I have been a mentor teacher, and have hosted 6 student teachers. I have also been a Union officer and many times have led the negotiation team in contract talks with the local school board representatives. In addition to teaching I have coached track & field, soccer and baseball. I was also the athletic director for several years.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Windsor Unified School District has had some very difficult years during the past term. Financially, the District was in such dire straights that an advisor from the County was assigned to make decisions and monitor all spending and negotiations with employees. Instruction has been severely hampered by staff furlough days, textbook shortages and class sections being reduced while enrollment was rising. The Superintendent resigned and leadership was not evident. I see cautious hope for the future: A new Superintendent and business officer were hired, there will be at least 2 and potentially three new Board members, and Local Control funding is now in place. LCAP funding is new but I have experience through Calistoga that is very similar. Basic Aid funding, which Calistoga Unified has had for many years, affords that district much more local control over their budget. I also see great potential for community and business partnerships for Windsor Unified. Whether it be through donations, mentorship programs, internships and tutors, or sponsorship programs, I feel outreach into the local community will only strengthen Windsor Unified Schools and build community engagement and pride.

STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY: As I have walked community neighborhoods I have heard from voters that they are concerned for safe and supportive schools. Adding campus resource officers, keeping gates closed and campuses free of unregistered guests, increasing counseling both academic and for mental health are areas I find vital to the success of Windsor students. WHS counselors have student loads of nearly 500 to 1. Bullying, gang prevention, drug and alcohol issues at school and in the family homes are just a few of the issues students are dealing with on a daily basis. By engaging the community as I mentioned earlier, pride in our schools and children will rise. Making campuses safe, nurturing places to learn is a primary focus. Giving the school, the administrators and the staff the resources to help the students learn and to better communicate with families are examples of things I feel need to be addressed. All students and parents should feel they are a welcome and wanted part of the school.