Candidate's Statement

By George W. Yandell, III

Proven Trustee Skills, Appropriate Personal Style and Record of Achievement

During my tenure on the Board I helped accomplish a number of important tasks that go beyond what some may think of the typical Board role such as reviewing and making important decisions regarding programs and budgets, faculty and staff salary negotiations, and providing vision and leadership to the school's governance team and the community:

I played an active role on the Site Council in developing and drafting the ABC program, (A stands for Academics, B for Behavior and C for Character). The ongoing implementation of the ABC program has helped instill a common language and value system into our school culture. We have made great strides in improving the culture at our school;

I initiated a complete review and rewriting of our school policies, turning a cumbersome binder into a living document, indeed almost a school operating plan adapted from California School Board Association examples, that is accessible on-line to all interested parties;

Along with Stephanie Stein, a current Trustee, I initiated a review of the school's management information and reporting tools. This effort helps provide classroom-based information concerning student achievements and accommodations to the teachers, the Specialists and the Administration in a more effective and efficient manner;

In addition to my experience and accomplishments as a Trustee, I bring to the Board a personal style that incorporates the following beliefs:

Personal integrity above all,

The students come first;

A little respect goes a long way (I am on a first name basis with all but the newest staff members),

Set high standards while keeping realistic expectations;

Hold personnel accountable for their responsibilities, while maintaining a positive management environment; and lastly,

Our need to foster continuous improvement. The school needs to be a living, growing culture and to evolve to meet the needs of every student.

What are the biggest challenges we face? Clearly the budget cuts. As an experienced Trustee who participated on the Financial Advisory Committee and with 16 years of Wall Street experience, I understand the school's budget, how the state school budgeting process works and what our budget tradeoffs might be.

After the budget cuts, the big question is how do we get Cathy Townsley to renew her contract again, or we will just going to have to clone her. All kidding aside, she is the glue that holds the school together and finding her replacement will be a tall order. The Board and Superintendent training seminars I attended and the personal networks I have developed with Trustees in other Districts can only help the prospects for finding the best replacement possible. A few weeks ago I received the recommendation from the Marin chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus.

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