Candidate for
Board Member; Mount Diablo Unified School District

1. Our district needs to value our employees. The place to begin showing our employees that they are valued is to settle the contracts with all the bargaining units in MDUSD. To do this we must prioritize the items in the budget. To successfully do the prioritization an evaluation process needs to be developed. This evaluation process includes cost/benefit analysis, and input from staff, parents, and students involved in the programs. The ineffective programs can then be eliminated and the funds used to further the negotiation process. Reaching a competitive total compensation package is not something that can be fixed in one year, but needs to be made a priority for many years. The board needs people like Gary Eberhart and me to show our employees that we value their skills.

2. A strategic plan is needed for the district. A strategic plan should be developed by represented from employees, community members, students, and parents. Once a plan is in place only then can the district move forward with a shared mission and vision.

3. Communication and stakeholder engagement are keys to a successful relationship between employees, administration, parents, and community. The MDUSD board needs to be open to listen to concerns and come up with constructive ways to address the concerns.

4. The demographics of our district are changing. We need to ensure that we have programs in place that ensure success for all of our children, include English Language Learners (ELL), Special Education, Gifted and Talented (GATE). This means growing academies in different trade, working collaboratively with parents and students for assessments, and ensuring that all children receive the best education possible.

5. The board should lead the district and develop policy and procedure. The administration should be held accountable to ensure that these policies and procedures are implemented.