Candidate for
Board Member; Palo Alto Unified School District

Our community shares a vision for Palo Alto schools where we Put Students First, so that all children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We have excellent schools in Palo Alto, but like any institution there is still work to be done. I am running for School Board in order to make progress in some key areas:

Achievement for all students: We need to meet every child where he or she is, and give them opportunities to stretch as far as they can. I believe that we can raise the floor substantially for struggling students while continuing to ensure that there is no ceiling for advanced students. We can also enable our students to grow as thinkers, artists, athletes and citizens.

Civil rights: I will work to rescind the school board's resolution attacking federal civil rights enforcement, and instead work towards a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. I will advocate strongly for redirecting money away from external legal fees and public relations, and instead invest money in our district and our students.

Improved student health: We know from our own experience and from academic research that well-rested, happy students are stronger learners. I will continue the work that I and many other have already started to increase student health and achievement, and to prepare students for a 21st century economy in which working well in teams and with co-workers from diverse backgrounds are keys to success.

Reduce overcrowding in our elementary schools: It is past time to reopen at least one of our closed elementary schools in order to deal with student population increases over the last 20 years. Research shows that elementary schools of between 300 and 400 students produce academic, social, and emotional benefits for kids. Only 2 of our elementary schools are still this small.

Foreign languages: Every elementary school student should be receiving foreign language instruction, not just those in immersion programs. Studies consistently show that early language instruction produces lifelong benefits and also improves literacy. Moreover, Mandarin immersion students should have a way to continue their studies in middle school, and middle school students should be able to start Mandarin in middle school and continue in high school.

A culture of innovation: Silicon Valley teaches us that high-functioning organizations rely on data to drive decision-making and identify and implement best practices. We can have a school district that is a strong learning organization, linked to centers of innovation in our community such as Stanford and our high-tech firms.

Transparency and accountability in governance: I will work to open up decision-making to public view through transparent communications and metrics that allow the public to judge the work of the School Board and the district. A more open and public process will pay dividends as we tackle together the hard problems of managing budget uncertainty, planning for enrollment growth and stewarding our physical assets.

Effective planning for the future: I will work to preserve neighborhood schools and effectively manage our resources (including Cubberley) during a time of change in both enrollment and financial resources. I will be a voice on the school board for joint planning with the city over the future of Cubberley.