Candidate for
Board Member; La Mesa Spring Valley Elementary School District

Bob believes the experience he has gained the past six years, as a Governing Board member is an important asset, helping him effectively deal with the business of education. Additionally the gut level understanding gained from a lifetime of being an educator helps Bob empathize with the challenges teachers, support staff, and administration face every day as they work together to impart knowledge to children.

Because we have experienced declining enrollment coupled with a diminishing budget, our schools are facing major constraints. Staff is stressed by subsequent the funding cuts. Nevertheless, Bob will be following closely the requirements as set forth by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and will strive to find ways to more than meet the goals.

Bob believes that early childhood education is an essential element to later educational success. Our district has enhanced the kindergarten to a full day program and an added a Pre-Kindergarten at one school. Additionally there exists an Early Admission Kindergarten in the second term at four schools with plans to add four more in 2011. There are Preschools at eight elementary schools and Bob would like to have a type of pre-school at every site. Proactive on safety, Bob has often visited every school and most every classroom numerous times seeking input and asking questions. Be it a pothole or a bully, Bob follows up with solutions. He is especially supportive of the "Peace Builders Program" as it has improved personal safety by positively reinforcing good behavior.