Candidate for
School Board Member; San Mateo Union High School District

My name is Stephen Rogers, I have 20+ years experience in financial services, as a senior executive with large investment management firm. I have deep and broad experience in project management, sales and service, understanding fiduciary issues and risk management.

Reason for running:

Lat spring, I was asked by the parents group of BHS to represent the school on the newly formed Budget committee, whose purpose was to address a projected shortfall in the next school year. In serving on the budget committee, I saw a clear need for the School Board to play a more active and accountable role in the financial management, strategic direction, and constituent relations in the district. I have the time, energy and interest to help with that. Although not officially endorsed, I would encourage you to check with any of the members of that committee to get a sense of my work style and commitment.

Coming out of that experience, I saw 4 key areas of focus I would concentrate on if elected:

1) District management + Get the right talent and leadership in place for the long term. Insist on an open, fair and transparent process for setting district agendas and decision-making.

2) Financial management: · Get administration finances in shape in their own areas and across the district. · Oversight and sound management of bond issues, finish the past and make sure the current measure does not impact General fund

3) Improve/repair, constituent relations + In my time on the Budget Committee, met many people deeply committed to the same goal: A high quality student education and experience, and very little trust or positive communications across silo's. Restoring trust and communication is critical to achieve the next area:

4) Incredibly diverse student population. Look for new ideas and partnership opportunities to offer a rigorous curriculum for a wider set of students. While meeting the state mandated curriculum, not everyone is bound for a UC, give non college bound students a target for other opportunities, such as a school to work program with the trades.

I do not have a deep education policy background, but I am willing to invest the time to learn, primarily by listening and independent research. I have strong financial and analytical skills and I am able to invest the time to learn other issues. I am committed to working across boundaries to develop solutions the district needs.

There are no easy answers, and while for this year the budget is balanced, we have not done enough to restore credibility and confidence in the district administration

As a parent of students in the district and a product of the district (Aragon 75), I am passionate about and deeply interested in being part of the solution. While we might not always agree, committed to an open and mutually respectful relationship, with no preconceived notion or agenda, beyond what I have laid out here.