Candidate for
Board Member; Mount Diablo Unified School District

My name is: Brian Thomas Lawrence

My age is: 37 My occupation is:

Education and Qualifications:

I'm running for the School Board because I believe that every child deserves an outstanding education. I'm a proud product of California public schools (BA from UC Santa Barbara, MBA from UC Berkeley) and the father of four young children (oldest two are already attending school in the district). Budget cuts and economic woes are not an excuse for underperforming schools- we can do better.

Great schools start with great teachers and staff. I've worked in the classroom as a volunteer and an instructor at a vocational school- I understand the challenges. The principal is responsible for creating an outstanding learning environment. I will make sure that principals have the tools they need to succeed, but then hold them accountable for results.

More of our resources should go to the individual school level- we need fewer administrators, not more. The District's budget must reflect these priorities. I will bring the same approach that I've used as an executive at successful startup technology companies- we must be efficient and maximize our limited resources.

This District needs to do a better job of listening and communicating with families, teachers and staff. I will help create a true strategic plan that allows the community to determine what the priorities are for this District. Board members need to be accessible and transparent so that we can improve trust in the District. As a board member I will be required to make some very difficult decisions and you might not agree with all of them. However, you will always know where I stand.

There are no magic solutions to the difficult problems that we face, but working together we can give our children the education that they deserve.

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to have your vote.