Candidate for
Board Member; Palo Alto Unified School District

Occupation: Educator, Parent, Community Volunteer
Age: 44
Education and Qualifications:
I'm an experienced educator, community volunteer and parent of a daughter at Juana Briones elementary and a son at Terman middle school. Education is my profession and my passion. As an educator at Parents Place, I enjoy leading parenting workshops, consulting with families and providing professional development for teachers of young children. I have a master's in education and have led workshops at more than 50 preschools, parent groups and libraries in the Bay Area.

I have served the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) through my work with families, teachers, and school administrators as PTA co-president and School Site Council chair. I was a board member of Partners in Education (PiE), raising funds to pay for additional staff at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. I currently serve on the Project Safety Net Collaborative, addressing the well-being of youth and teens. I've also attended school board meetings for the past two years.

If elected, I will use my experience, skills, and knowledge of our schools to ensure that students benefit from excellent teachers who are well supported in the classroom. I want every student to be prepared for academic, personal and professional success. I am committed to working with other school board members, families, teachers, and the administration to achieve these goals. My top priorities include:

1. Maximize the educational impact of both budgetary and capital dollars, focusing on achievable goals consistent with the strategic plan.

2. Recruit and support great teachers, those who inspire, challenge and engage students at all levels. Create opportunities to share curriculum strategies across the district.

3. Open new schools to accommodate enrollment growth and take advantage of educational innovations consistent with Palo Alto's values and vision. Collaborate with the city and community on developing a shared-use plan of the Cubberley site.

4. Provide transparency in board communications with the Superintendent, school leaders and community members. Work toward more effective, efficient and accessible public meetings.

Education is key to a healthy future for all of our 12,000+ students. We must ensure our students thrive from a positive connection to their school and community. To find out more about my candidacy, experience and ideas, please visit heidiemberling.com. Thank you for your support.