Candidate for
Board Member; Mount Diablo Unified School District

It has been my privilege to the Mt. Diablo Unified School District as trustee since November 1997. I have sought solutions which acknowledge the varied needs of students, support employees during difficult economic times, expand and upgrade facilities, ensure the district's financial stability, and honor the values of our voters and taxpayers.

Since 1997 I visit at least thirty schools' classrooms every year. I observe teachers instructing and students as they learn. I am awed by work of the teachers and the support staff that support instruction and our facilities.

My focus has always been on improving the condition of children and families. I am also a strong advocate for public schools. I believe that without public schools our democracy as we know it, would not exist. Our democracy is dependent upon an educated people: employable, engaged in civic activities, focused on life long learning and accountable. I do not support the use of public fund vouchers for private school enrollment.

As an involved community leader, parent and volunteer, I bring experience to MDUSD's Board of Education, strengthening our district's ability to implement a responsive, accountable education program. Increasingly our diverse students represent our community throughout the nation and world. We must prepare our students for post secondary education and life experiences, including career technical education or the workforce. Public education for our youth must be our community priority.

My consistent, committed leadership has positively supported Mt. Diablo Unified School District through major challenges: No Child Left Behind, dramatically fluctuating state and federal income, High School Exit Exam, student demographic changes and declining enrollment. Vigilant 2002 Measure C construction management meets the pledge to voters for new classrooms and facility improvements and features technology centers at our sixteen middle and high schools. My involvement with the 2010 Measure C construction oversight will continue.

LINDA'S PRIORITIES

• Academic excellence is paramount. Graduation rates and student performance steadily improve through my support of increased student access to rigorous program, standardized curriculum, career integrated education, English learner programs, student support services, reduced class size and preschool expansion.
• Staff recruitment, effective training and employee compensation are the primary contributing factors to academic achievement.
• Parent involvement, parent friendly and safe schools to ensure student success.
• Adult education and early childhood programs which complement our educational offerings.
• Continued facility improvements and infrastructure supporting student/staff efforts.

• FISCALLY SOLVENT ORGANIZATION. Yearly balanced budgets approved by the Contra Costa County Office of Education despite the economic crisis.
• IMPROVING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. Approved K-12 standards based curriculum, textbooks and instructional in-service; K-5 standards based report cards; academic intervention; Leadership Institutes. Increased student access to Advanced Placement and Honors classes.

• FACILITIES. Championed 2010 Measure C facilities bond to provide $348 million in funds for facility improvements and energy management systems. Previously lead, in 2002 and 1989, two facility bonds yielding, with Prop 55 funding, more than $430 million of facility improvements and new construction including 16 technology centers, 13 multi-use rooms, five mini-gyms. Approved other funds for two new schools, mini-gym, athletic venue upgrades, etc. and land purchase for third new school.

• PARENT INVOLVEMENT. Approved low cost fingerprinting for parent and community volunteers, K-12 parent notification system, and HomeLink. HomeLink provides parents and guardians with the ability to view student attendance, grades, and other important educational information.

• Expanded Kindergarten reduction in underperforming schools
• Approved High School Smaller Learning Communities and Academies
• Celebrated overall improved high school graduation rate
• Provided After-School Learning Programs at 21 sites; Early Childhood Programs at 7 sites
• Expanded the Before School and Second Chance Breakfast Programs
• Approved career integrated curriculum and promote business/educator collaboration
• Approved parent projects combined with district funds for athletic facility upgrades and a theatre
• Collaborated with CC County & cities for new and modernized athletic facilities and safe school access
• Celebrated

2002 California State Teacher of the Year

2003 CCC Teacher of the Year

2 "NCLB" National Blue Ribbon Schools

25 California Distinguished Schools (1998-2010)including seven in 2006!

VISIT -- http://WWW.LindaMayo4MDUSD.org