Candidate for
Member; Sacramento County Board of Education; Trustee Area 5

As your governing board member for the Sacramento County Office of Education-Area 5, I will support preparing kids for college or career, and I understand that the basics of yesteryear are just not the same basics for today. That's why it's important that we have a governing board that promotes a "21st Century Education". As your governing board member I will build upon the fundamental reading, writing, and math skills and incorporate them with relevant and hands-on skills for the future, including science and technology training. These will help our kids succeed--whether in college or career.

As the daughter of a trustee who has served for over 20 years on a K-8 school district board in San Jose, and the wife of a public high school science teacher--joined with being the parent of school-aged children--my knowledge of the issues that impact public education (and the benefits, as well) goes beyond the surface level, and into a deeper understanding how the decisions made by the SCOE board impact school districts--and ultimately their students--positively and negatively. I will strive to ensure that school districts have the support and resources they need--particularly in a time when resources continue to be reduced--to ensure students are successful.

As a mother of school-age children, teacher, and spouse of a high school teacher, I understand that as the Governing Board Member-Area 5, I will play an important role in supporting educational opportunities to help students succeed and to ensure teachers have the resources they need to promote student learning and achievement.

In my experiences as the owner of a business that promotes education and educational programs, I have learned about the importance of supportive learning environments, proactive leadership, and fiscal responsibility.

In addition, my educational background--which includes a Masters Degree in Education--joined with my prior experience assisting military veterans with educational benefits, provide me with foundational knowledge and experiences that have exposed me to the critical need to provide students the education, training, resources and support they need to reach their highest aspirations in an ever-changing world.

Through my involvement with LEED-Linking Education and Economic Development, my participation as board member for the Folsom Cordova Education Foundation, and as a PTA Officer, I have had the opportunity to shape and engage in programs that support the education and workforce development of students of all ages, including a regional career exploration event, teacher classroom support program, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, fine and performing arts, and career and technical education programs.

On June 5th, please vote for someone who will advance 21st Century education and training that will prepare our children for a global society and will inspire their desire to be lifelong learners--elect Heather McGowan for the Sacramento County Board of Education Governing Board-Area 5.

I am a 10-year resident of the City of Folsom and live there with my husband Chad, and children Hayden and Lily.

EXPERIENCE:

• Folsom Cordova Education Foundation: Founding President and Board Member
• Empire Oaks Elementary School PTA: Public Relations Chair, Nominating Committee
• Folsom American Little League: Team Parent
• Small business owner: Education consulting
• Teacher, UC Davis Extension
• LEED-Linking Education & Economic Development: Past Director of Marketing & Communications
• Folsom Cordova Unified School District: Past Public Information Officer
• Classroom volunteer
• Science Fair volunteer