Candidate for
Board Member; Scotts Valley Unified School District

The Scotts Valley school system has long held a reputation for educational excellence. We have outstanding teachers and enthusiastic parent support. Everyone understands the importance of a well-functioning school system + it knits together the entire community and bolsters property values.

Our District has serious financial challenges + operating revenues are insufficient to pay our teachers what we'd like, and our facility needs are the stuff of legend. Recent tensions between District administration and the teachers' association, and between the Board and the public, must be addressed through open dialogue that respects all views and seeks out common ground. Working together to put kids and community first, we can fix what ails us without putting at risk the strong foundation we presently enjoy.

There is no simple solution to providing more money for teachers, and we need to start all over our discussions about building a new middle school. With the right leadership, we can create an environment where options can be discussed openly, with civility and with constructive purpose. I will listen carefully to all sides, and ensure that all information needed for a decision is in the public domain. With your support, and the willingness of all to work together, we can address our challenges and grow stronger in the process.