Political Philosophy for Holly J. Souza

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Hayward Unified School District

• To promote and support ANY and ALL CHANGES NECESSARY to increase the quality of education for all Hayward children.

• To help bridge the communication gap and build a two-way street of understanding between the District and our school communities through school site visits and public meetings.

• To demonstrate my understanding of accountability to the public by implementing the will of the majority, and not imposing my own will on other people's children.

There is one common word that is used when I speak to Hayward parents and teachers, and that word is "CHANGE!" As a parent myself, I believe that changes need to take place, if we expect our children to be able to compete in this consistently changing world. I will promote and support these changes in order to give our children the quality education that they deserve.

COMMUNICATION

The School Board provides citizen oversight for local government, which is the cornerstone of democracy in the United States. Providing the District with accurate direction and oversight can only be achieved when an efficient communication process is in place. Hayward lacks such a process, and I would like to play an active role in helping to implement an effective and timely communication process. Elected officials cannot represent the public, if they do not communicate with the public. As one voice of a five-member team, I will use my voice to represent the parents and residents of Hayward.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Hayward Unified School District Board of Education has included "parent" board members in the past, however, outside career commitments have kept them away from the day-to-day reality that is a direct result of board-implemented policies. As a stay-at-home mom, I have the time during the day to visit school sites to listen and share with staff and parents. It will be my objective to make at least one school site visit a week - not to micromanage, but rather to be accountable to myself (as a board member). How can I pledge accountability to the public, if I am not first accountable to myself?