Candidate for
Board Member; Kentfield School District; 4 Year Term

I love Marin. I was born and raised here, and since a young age, have always had a deep commitment to this community. I am passionate about our Kentfield schools, and want all students not just to excel, but to thrive.

Our District has not had a contested Board election since 2007. This school board election is about Democracy. As a former Election Observer for the UN, I know elections are part of living in a democracy and integral to the process of encouraging participation and accountability in government. Opening up a dialogue with the community is one of the best parts of a contested election.

Our District faces difficult challenges.

• Enrollment Spike & Lack of Space. In the past five years, District enrollment has risen by over 23%. This enrollment spike has created challenges for sufficient classroom space and allocation for future growth that must be addressed.

• Drop in API Scores and New Common Core Curriculum. This year, Kentfield School District API test scores dropped by 33 points. Bacich scores dropped 46 points from last year. To ensure a world-class education for our children, as well as protect the strong correlation between test scores and property values, we need a smooth transition to the new state-mandated Common Core curriculum.

• Communication and Transparency. A strong school board is built through a diversity of perspectives; independent, critical thinking; broad outreach; and inclusive community involvement. My record shows that I can bring diverse groups together and work collaboratively to find solutions that ensure the best possible outcomes for our entire community.

My approach to address these challenges is one based on inclusiveness, openness, and transparency.

Many in our District believe that the sign we have a high-functioning board is that no parents or community members attend Board meetings and the parking lot is empty. I disagree. We are stronger as a community when we have engaged parents and citizens, and when we allow for diverse opinions and perspectives to be heard.

I am running to bring balance and a valuable "on the ground" school parent view to the Board.

Throughout my academic and professional careers, I have held leadership positions on projects and initiatives that have involved bringing large, diverse groups of people together to work transparently towards a common goal.

I know, firsthand, the importance of good governance and leadership. During my time representing students at Berkeley and Oxford, and throughout my 15-plus years serving on both national and local boards, I have always supported and modeled respectful engagement and open process.

I am grateful for the 200 community members and elected officials who publically support my candidacy. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 5th. It would be an honor to serve our District.

Please see my campaign website for more info: http://www.heatherforkentfieldschools.com