Candidate for
Board Member; Scotts Valley Unified School District

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

The Scotts Valley Unified School District is a high-achieving one. Yet, since we ask our children to strive for excellence and always do their best work, it's important for us to adopt the same philosophies. With the hiring of a new superintendent last year, we were able to create a complete strategic plan with five areas of focus. One of those areas is looking at improving student achievement across ALL students. By providing consistent and thorough professional development for all our staff, we have made the commitment to become a GREAT district. It is my philosophy that we provide the best education for ALL our children, no matter their level.

NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

Our Middle School was built in 1941, as part of the Works Progress Administration efforts. The school is in desperate need of repair and will be the focus of the facilities section of our strategic plan. More than just providing a safe place for our children to learn, a new school will provide a safe and comfortable place for our teachers to work in. It is my goal to thoroughly investigate all options for a new middle school and hopefully generate funds for the development in the next few years.

FISCAL STABILITY

Budgets are always tight -- our District is considered a low-wealth district, meaning our funding is at about the lowest level of all Unified School Districts in the state. Yet, our children have the same needs and goals of other children in wealthier districts. To maintain a balanced budget while still offering services to our 2800 children is a big job, but one that I am well prepared for.

LEGISLATIVE VOICE

Finally, education funding needs to change. I have spent the past 7 years lobbying our legislators in Sacramento on a wide range of topics affecting public education. Whether I am re-elected or not, I am committed to maintaining a voice for our children, our staff and our families.