Candidate for
Board Member; Elk Grove Unified School District; Area 2

Hello friends:

    I am running for a seat on the Elk Grove School Board. I am committed to community service and I believe our children are our most important resource. As a school safety specialist, I see the challenges our school employees, parents, and students face on a daily basis.  Also as expecting parents, my wife and I care very much for our child's future.

     During my evening walks in our neighborhoods, many of you in the community have voiced similar concerns.  After talking to many of you, my top priorities are improved academic performance, better access, safer schools, and more support for teachers and parents (PASS: Performance, Access, Safety and Support).

     A good solid education is the key to success.  In order to achieve this, our district employees should have the resources necessary to do their jobs.  Our students should feel safer at schools.  Parents should not have to worry about their children's safety to and from their schools. We should also mitigate traffic congestion around our schools and address the shortage of school nurses. Students who are not doing well in their classes should get special help.  Likewise, students who are accelerated learners should also be challenged with more rigorous curricula. 

     I also believe we should have special programs to engage all students and increase their likelihood of success.  It is equally important that we make sure our fast growing school district grows smart. We have to make sure that all stake holders are involved in the planning.  As we avoid subjecting our children to overcrowding and busing, we should be mindful of spending; save excess funds for school programs.  Furthermore, it is important to have an ongoing dialogue with diverse community groups and leaders to make sure we are providing the services needed.  The end result will be better prepared students, better schools, and a better community.

     Our schools are outstanding and I want to strive to make them even better.  If you have any concerns, call me at my home number above. I want to meet each and every voter before the election in November. If you would like to host a "coffee" meeting in your home or neighborhood, please contact me.

     Thank you for your interest in this campaign.  Please visit my website at http://www.stevely.net; I will be honored to have your vote on November 5, 2002.

With warmest regards,

Steve Ly