Candidate Statement for Sarah Butler

By Sarah Genn Butler

Candidate Statement:

Orinda schools rank among the top in the state, and as a direct result our home values remain high and our community remains strong. Maintaining our quality schools in the Orinda Union School District requires experience and leadership. As a parent of two children, I have volunteered for over 10 years in our schools in many different capacities, and know my extensive experience will allow me to make a valuable contribution by serving on the school board.

My priorities are:
1. Improving communication and collaboration between parents, schools, school district and community.
2. Fiscal responsibility
3. Continuing strategic improvement,
4. Attracting and retaining quality teachers.

Quality schools provide a better education for our children, a strong community, and help maintain home values. Recently however, our schools have been impacted by the current recession and significant state budget cuts continue to be a threat. Personally, I have significant education-related budget and fiscal experience and a well developed knowledge of how our district operates and can offer guidance and insight.

As a graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Environmental Planning, I've always been drawn to understanding the "big picture". As a parent, in addition to volunteering at the classroom level, I have worked hard to understand and improve that "big picture" for our schools thru participation and leadership on many committees including:

School Site Council - OIS and Glorietta, Co-Chair, Las Trampas Legislative Team, EFO Board, OIS Parents Club, Miramonte Parents Club, Glorietta Parents Club. Measure A - Orinda Coordinator, AUHSD AUHSD Budget Advisory Committee, Measure B Committee OUSD Strategic Planning Committee

My experience, proven leadership, dedication and passion for our schools will contribute to the continued success of our school district. As a school board member, I would welcome questions concerns, or feedback from any resident.

I would appreciate the opportunity to serve you on the OUSD School Board, and respectfully ask for your Vote.

Thank you, Sarah Butler e-mail: sarahgbutler@hotmail.com