Candidate Statement

By Kristy Olk

I am running for TTUSD Trustee because of my passion and strong commitment to public education and the youth of this community

I am a strong believer in collaborative decision-making and problem solving. Last year I graduated from the Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program. Through that program, and real-world experience as a small business owner and volunteer positions chairing the North Tahoe PUD Recreation Commission and the Measure J campaign to re-build the middle and high schools, I have learned that the best decisions are the ones that are made after careful and deliberate listening, research and consideration. And I also know that the customer is always right.

Therefore, I believe that with better communication improved accountability will follow. Our District suffers from serious financial constraints and some students struggling to meet state standards. I plan to develop a multi-pronged approach to meet our challenges head on. By this I mean pulling in resources from all parts of the community, seeking out and accepting input from business owners, service clubs, retirees, the Latino community, and others. By using local expertise we can ensure appropriate educational programs that serve our unique community within a tight budget. It is imperative that we practice sound fiscal management and keep budget cuts out of the classrooms.

We have enjoyed the benefit of generous community support with repeated passage of Measure A. It decreases class size and offers learning opportunities for our students that many small districts can't provide. By proving continued accountability to taxpayers, we can ensure continued community support of our schools.

We must build on the success of creative initiatives like Measure A to better meet the District's diverse educational needs: from serving a growing English learner population, to making available solid course offerings for college-bound students. While it will never be easy, it is our duty to not only provide, but nourish, an exceptional education for each and every child in our District. Thank You.

As William Butler Yeats said, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." I want to be the one who helps light that fire.

My candidacy is supported by incumbent Karen Van Epps, Ken & Terry Yagura, Sylvia Ambriz of the Family Resource Center, Martha Simon of the Boys & Girls Club, and over 90% of the staff at Kings Beach Elementary.

I would appreciate the consideration of your vote on November 2nd, and please ask your friends and business associates to do the same. Thank you for your time.