Candidate for
Board Member; Gilroy Unified School District

CORE PERSONAL BELIEFS "I believe that I have had a positive leadership impact on the GUSD Board and District during the past 5 years. I also believe that the job is not done and that my energy, skills, experience, community knowledge, and knowledge of the Gilroy educational system and needs will substantially assist the board and district in achieving the necessary continued improvements and complete the district vision of excellence. In addition to general leadership I bring expertise in organizational development, budget prioritizations, our facility plan and people management. My participation in other community organizations/activities provides me with insight into our community needs/desires and provides me access to resources for GUSD"

PERSONAL OBJECTIVES FOR GUSD
- All students in GUSD must be provided with an education that allows them to achieve to their maximum potential and that enables them to be qualified for post high school education/training/employment as well as to be successful citizens in our society.
- We must continue - and finish - the process of reform begun 4 years ago within GUSD that has made substantial improvements in academics, organization and systems. [Leadership and boardsmanship are skills just as accounting, legal, medical, etc. - we all want to change situations now that do not meet our expectations be they in a business situation or GUSD. However, lasting reform/change takes a well thought out plan, leadership, perseverance and invariably more time then our initial estimates. Well meaning individuals, and even more so board members, can cause damage and overall delay to a change process if they react on specific areas where change is needed and ignore the overall process and the need for prioritization.]
- Specific areas needing emphasis:

· Establishment of an effective accountability system for all employees, the board and students. In general business has had to face this need in order to survive.
· Excellence in selecting, development and evaluation of all employees.
· Establishing an effective/timely two way communication process with parents and community that values their input and gains their support.
· Demonstrating the existing strengths of Gilroy High School and improving needed areas so that GHS is, and is perceived to be, a leading educational institution.
· Effectively transition Gilroy to a 2 high school district culturally, academically, and with superior physical facilities.

GUSD ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING MY BOARD TENURE
- Reversal of the downward trend of the District and true educational crises that existed 5 years ago.
- Hiring and retaining a quality superintendent with an overall improved staff.
- Established vision, focus and direction for the district.
- Steady improvement in test scores and other academic indicators.
- Solid budget planning and controls in difficult financial times.
- Establishment of a 25 year Facility Plan; passage of Bond; major Facility Improvements begun.
- Tackled many sensitive issues such as elimination of multi track schools, overhaul of an ineffective bilingual education program, establishment of a "neighborhood school system, etc.