Candidate for
Board Member; Palo Alto Unified School District

Occupation: Incumbent
Education and Qualifications:
I am Melissa Baten Caswell, current Palo Alto Unified School District Trustee and former high-tech executive. I am also a PAUSD parent, with an A.B. and M.B.A. from Dartmouth College, 14 years of business leadership experience in strategy, marketing and finance; and over a decade of deep volunteer experience in local schools and organizations, including Presidency of the Palo Alto District-wide PTA Council. I have been a School Board Member for 5 years, and served as Board President. My background gives me strong understanding of the financial, educational, and structural needs of PAUSD.

In my first term as your Trustee, I brought my strong leadership and listening skills to PAUSD. My term began by fulfilling my campaign promise to apply my business skills to the development of a clear, specific and measurable vision for the future. I obtained pro bono strategic consulting support and worked on broad community involvement for our Strategic Plan that continues to provide direction for PAUSD. Since then, I have encouraged the creation of partnerships with community stakeholders to foster initiatives including improved graduation standards and alignment with California public university entrance requirements; improved student academic and emotional supports; enhanced teacher training and use of teaching technology; conservative management of District budgets; and effective oversight of Parcel Tax and Bond revenues for structural improvements.

With enrollment growing and statewide budget cuts looming, we must work more efficiently than ever to balance the needs of all constituents. I will continue to use my skills and experience to protect and extend PAUSD's strengths.

I look forward to being your elected representative to carry on the strategic work of preparing students for the 21st century global economy. All of our students deserve a top-quality education that promotes their full academic and social development, encourages them to be excited about learning, and builds skills they need to succeed in a changing world!

PAUSD Board Committees: Board Policy Review; School/City Liaison; Stanford University/School Liaison; Regional Housing Mandate Liaison; Partners in Education Liaison; California Association of Large Suburban School Districts; Regional Occupational Program Policy Council; Santa Clara County Committee on District Organization.

Volunteer Service includes: Palo Alto PTA Council President; 6 elected PTA Board Offices; Youth Community Service, Founding Board member, Vice Chair; Palo Alto Art Center Foundation Board; Palo Alto Medical Foundation Advisory Board; Family Resources Ambassador; Downtown Children's Center Preschool, Parent Advisory Board; Girl Scout Leader; two Mayoral Task Forces.

Please vote for Melissa! http://www.melissabatencaswell.org