Candidate for
Member; Contra Costa County Board of Education; Area 2

I support public schools. Not only do well funded, well-staffed, community supported, excellent public schools offer students the possibility of sound instruction, so that all young people are engaged, connected, and supported to pursue their own, unique gifts and talents, get to learn the core content and learn acquire the academic skills necessary to become productive members of society, but public schools are also critical to insuring that American students learn about democracy by instilling in them the habits of democracy in students and by preparing students to function in US society as responsible citizens in a diverse, democratic society.

The United States cannot prosper without an educated citizenry that can function and actively participate in an increasingly diverse society. Although public education has serious obstacles to overcome, as citizens we need to imagine and create public schools and classrooms in which students from disparate backgrounds can be embraced, and whose dreams cannot just be encouraged, but achieved through academic content knowledge, and learning to participate in a democratic society.

Throughout the years, educational thinkers have argued for public schools that demonstrate non-discriminatory and inclusive policies and practices, honor our diverse society, build on its strengths and model democratic practices. I support excellent public schools because they are one institution essential to helping young people develop into thoughtful, civic minded, socially and intellectually engaged citizens