Andrea Kooiman - Community Volunteer

By Andrea M. (Casella) Kooiman

My statement

I do not belong to any outside special interest groups; I am beholden to no one but my constituents. I am not part of the CUSD Recall slate; I am an independent candidate ready to join the board, working to reach the common goal of providing a quality educational program for all students. It is time that this community elects a trustee that is a true representative for ALL the families! I am willing to serve so the people of our diverse communities have a choice for change. I offer a philosophy of conservative, responsible financial management guided by the educational needs and enrichment of our children. I will continue to strongly advocate to the State for equality of school district funding, the financial support of class-size reduction programs across all grade levels and appropriate financial support of ALL students, from special needs to Gifted and Talented and all students in between. I will listen to and work with all groups, but will be obliging to none. I stand for local control of our schools and what's best for our kids.

I have watched CUSD grow and evolve throughout the years. I feel there are real solutions to all of the challenges that we are facing. I am tired of the bitterness and division within the district and hope to bring change to an obviously divided board. Let's bring the focus back to the education of our kids. Let's stop playing the blame game, and instead, work on finding a way to move forward. Let's partner with our teachers and classified staff for the better education of our children and give them the foundation that they need to succeed.