Candidate for
Trustee; San Jose Unified School District; Trustee Area 5

Occupation: Parent/Community Volunteer
Age: 48
Education and Qualifications:
Our students and community deserve a strong school district with a mission to provide every student with the finest 21st century education. Only proven and dedicated leadership will make this vision a reality. Over the past 20 years, I've demonstrated such leadership in a number of positions in school communities, non-profit and volunteer organizations, as well as in the private sector.

Since the adoption of a balanced budget plays such a significant role, my background in business management is an obvious benefit. I have worked for several national corporations and was honored with numerous awards for my leadership and budgeting abilities. As head of the Management Training for a division of a national retail chain, I mastered the ability to lead leaders but still be a valuable part of a team. This quality is an invaluable skill for a successful School Board Member.

My degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan has bolstered my success in several diverse leadership roles. In San Jose Unified, I served as an Executive Board Member on the Leland School Site Council and as Chairman of Membership for the Leland Parent Club. I helped create the District's Strategic Plan, which will focus tools and best practices for providing our students with employable skills and ensure college entry. I offer a unique skill set and perspective because of my leadership positions in a similar school district in Michigan. As PTA Council President, I worked with the Superintendent and brought multiple PTA's together to become effective advocates for our children and parents. Additionally, I served as Executive Board Member for the Michigan district's Parent Advisory Board.

I am married with one son attending Leland and another son who graduated from Leland and is attending college. Through my experience and actions over the past 20 years, I have demonstrated my dedication to supporting the needs of children and their families. By being a leader in several community and school based organizations, I have the proven skills to advocate and represent students at the local and state level with our legislators. By electing me as your School Board Trustee, you are ensuring that the children of our community will have an experienced, accessible, and motivated advocate and innovator.