WHY I SHOULD BE RE-ELECTED

By Willie Hamilton

PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST SO THEY CAN REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

I have been a college professor for 34 years, the last 16 at MSJC. I have a BA and MA from UCLA in Political Science. I have lived in San Jacinto for 15 years. My older daughter graduated from SJHS six years ago and two daughters still attend our schools.

We have made a lot of progress in the eight years that I have served as a Trustee. We have added a middle school, two elementary schools, and expanded each high school. Test scores continue to rise at all District schools. More students are going to college and winning scholarships. Trust and confidence in the District is being restored. The community now takes pride in its schools.

The guiding principle of my decisions is "Children First." The educational needs of our children come first. Serving on the school board is not about I want, but what the children need.

I want to ensure that every student regardless of ethnic and cultural background or school they attend have an opportunity to realize their full potential. I am proud of my role in creating and supporting the Future Connections program. This program allows our children to attend MSJC while still in high school for free. This program has saved families thousands of dollars and given our children a head start for their future.

I want to hire the best teachers and staff, pay good salaries, and recognize their professionalism and dedication. Board members and administrators do not educate children, teachers and staff do. My role as a school board member is to make that possible.

The values that guide my decisions are integrity, honesty, excellence and hard work.

The most important question that you as a voter should ask when voting for a school board member is who do you trust with the education of your children? I have demonstrated in the last eight years that I have the experience, education, judgment, leadership and commitment to accomplish that task.

To be a good school board member means that you listen to all who are affected by a decision-parents, teachers and students. When you listen, it means that you respect the opinions of all, even those who disagree with you.

When parents bring a concern or issue with the District to me, I take that concern or issue to the administrator who can resolve the problem or at least give the parent an answer. And I always make sure to follow up with the parent and the administrator. I treat your concerns with the same level of respect that I would expect mine to be considered. After all, I am a parent just like you.

I have support from all segments of the community-elected officials, my fellow Board members, community leaders, district staff and teachers, my fellow college professors and parents.

I ask for your vote on November 4 th to continue to serve your family and our children.