What do I hope to achieve if elected to the Burlingame School District Board of Education?

By Michael D. Barber

First, I will work to stabilize the financial situation of the School District by continuing the work started by the Blue Ribbon Financial Task Force. Second, I will attempt to raise the morale of the teachers, staff, and parents. Third, I will strive to maintain, if not improve, the standards and curriculum of our schools.

• In the short term I hope to do this through increased rent and leasing of school buildings during non-standard school hours (e.g., find a weekend school to rent facilities). In addition, I would consider leasing the entire district office by consolidating the district office into one of the schools. The District will also need assistance from the Burlingame Community Education Foundation.
• In the mid-term we must seriously consider a parcel tax based on the previous parcel taxes (including the over age 65 exemption), but with a cost of living adjustment. We must also review the configuration of our schools in relation to level/declining enrollment.
• In the long term we must seek grants and other revenue sources from the state and federal government. We must continue to petition our state representatives to reform the way education is financed in California. We must advocate for more funding from the State (e.g., Proposition 98 money has not been fully funded for several years). In addition, we must continually review the needs of the community, in relation to the funding available, to ensure we never run a deficit balance again.

3. Third, I will strive to maintain and improve the high standards of our schools. All students must be given the opportunity to excel through a strong and varied curriculum that will support the full potential of each and every child.