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Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
Smart Voter

League of Women Voters joint forum with Santa Clara Parent Teacher Association Council

By Jim VanPernis

Candidate for Trustee; Santa Clara Unified School District; Trustee Area 2

This information is provided by the candidate
Santa Clara Parent Teacher Association Council-League of Women Voters Santa Clara Unified School District School Board Candidate Forum held at the Santa Clara High School Theater.
By way of introduction, I have been a volunteer in many capacities in this District over the years and I bring to the Board: 1) A deep concern about the current state and immediate future of this District 2) A mature adult's perspective, and more life experiences and resilience in the face of crises than others 3) I also bring to the table a broad understanding of our District's programs and challenges

As a candidate, I have taken the time to meet with District staff and teachers to understand what Programs are underway and what issues the future may hold, rather than just assuming I already knew it.

My daughters received their education in District schools and were well prepared for college and eventual success in life.

Now, as a recent retiree, I have the time, a sense of purpose, and a strong desire to give back to my community by helping District students have the same opportunity for success that my daughters experienced here.

My goals include:

  • Investing in our teachers' training to help them inspire their students and provide a world-class educational curriculum for every SCUSD student in safe, modern, and well-maintained facilities

  • Responsibly allocate the available resources and promote the search for more resources to improve student success at all levels and abilities

  • Foster collaboration, act as a role model, and help restore the Community's confidence in the Board's governance of this District

  • Provide ethical leadership to help increase the level of trust between employees of the District and the Board

My number one question in making a decision as a Board Member will be: "Is this decision good for our students?"

Closing:

As Charles F. Kettering, the inventor of the electric starter, reportedly said, "My interest is in the future, because I am going to spend the rest of my life there." He also said, "High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation." That's why I like the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund commercial that's been airing recently. It encourages Hispanic parents to set high expectations for their children.

As a Board Member, I will offer a clear insight into, and sensitivity to, the impacts of the Board's decisions regarding the numerous Programs and activities carried out by the outstanding employees of this District.

They are working diligently in support of all of our students, including:

  • our economically-disadvantaged students

  • our English Learners of all ages and
  • our Special Education Students

Thank you.

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ca/scl Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 17, 2012 18:32
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