Sandpiper Article on the Candidates

By Scott Wooden

Full Article Link: http://www.delmarsandpiper.org/pdf/2010SP10oct10.pdf

I was shocked and saddened by the resignation of Principal Gary Wilson in November 2009. That opened my eyes to the extent of this board's micromanagement. I spoke at that board meeting and stated I would be watching their actions. I saw schools pitted against schools and parents against parents, making ESC fundraising more difficult. I saw the crumbling of stability and the deterioration of relationships between the board, administrators and teachers. I saw how all the district's top administrators have left. I spoke to the board again and watched in disgust as this board fired Superintendent McClain, someone they hired less than two years before. The board had lost all remaining respect in this community. At that point I decided to run. We need to restore the "3 R's" to this district + responsibility, relationships and respect. I intend to do that over the next four years.

2. How long have you lived here?

My wife, Victoria, and I have lived in Carmel Valley since 2002 with our two children, ages 8 and 5. We live in the Torrey Woods Estates community and our children attend the Ocean Air School.

3. What committees have you served on locally or in your profession?

I have been active in the community, serving as President and board member for the Torrey Woods Estates HOA for three years. I am in my fourth year with the Ecke Adventure Princess, and now Guide program, and served a year as Tribal Chief. Prior to moving to San Diego, I had been both President and the VP-Membership of the Conejo Valley Ski Club and the representative to the LA Council of Ski Clubs. I also served as both President and Vice-President of the USC Health Sciences Graduate Student Association.

4. Why do you think you are qualified to be on the DM School Board?

I understand what it takes to lead. Being on boards, both in my HOA and non-profits, I understand the responsibilities of a board member. I have led and managed a group of up to 25 employees over the course of sixteen years in my professional career. I am in a collaborative environment and must work effectively with other individuals to accomplish my goals. I will not micro-manage the district. One hires highly qualified individuals and allows them to do their jobs. I have a doctorate in biochemistry, and while I could teach science, I am not in the field of education. I'll let the teachers teach. As a board member, I will make sure that we have a long range plan in place with the proper goals to carry out the vision. I have always been able to listen and learn, whether in my job or on a board. These are all skill sets needed as an effective leader. Finally, I understand the importance of a quality education and will do my best to insure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.

5. What do you see as key issues?

Restoring the 3-R's to the district - Responsibility, Relationships and Respect. We must restore fiscal responsibility by placing the district on solid financial ground, purchasing an office within budget and dealing with litigation from the board's firing of Superintendent Sharon McClain. We must restore and repair relationships, strained from pitting parents against parents and schools against schools. The board must stop the micro-management and work with teachers and administrators, not at odds with them. We also must restore the respect that this board and district have lost through four years of turmoil. It is difficult to hire the best superintendents and administrators without having respect in the educational community. Likewise, it is difficult to make tough decisions if community has lost respect in the board.

6. Add a short sentence or two of your own

My parents made a pledge to my siblings and me that that they would help in any way to insure that we went as far as we desired in our education. I saw the hard work and dedication that my mother made as a teacher and the joy that came as the child's thirst for learning grew. I make that same pledge to my children. It starts here in Del Mar, not only for my children but for yours. Let's work together and restore the 3-R's to the board and this wonderful district.