This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/alm/ for current information.
Alameda County, CA February 4, 2014 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Douglas M. "Doug" Ireland

Candidate for
Board of Education Member; City of Piedmont

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

I believe in public education and am proud of Piedmont's excellent schools. They are the cornerstones of our town. To sustain them, our community deserves thoughtful representation and strong leadership. As a School Board member, I will collaborate with school and community members to strive for the finest educational outcomes for our children.

I grew up in a K-12 public school district and attended schools with plentiful funds, resources and a curriculum that included art, music, science and foreign languages in elementary school. Many public schools in California today cannot provide this kind of comprehensive experience. Thanks to our citizens, Piedmont has managed to sustain excellent teachers, curriculum and facilities with lean budgets. I am committed to helping us continue to be wise and creative in allocating resources that provide an outstanding education for all students.

My mother taught our family about the obligation to community service. It was a given for us that we needed to contribute time and talent wherever we could. My community efforts here in Piedmont, in San Francisco and with my Alma Mater, have provided great satisfaction to me. If elected, I would welcome the opportunity to serve this community that has given so much to my family and to me.

My top priorities for the coming years include:

  • Integration of Technology and New Common Core Standards

Emerging technology, STEM learning opportunities, online learning and the Common Core standards will impact the classroom and learning for our students. It is imperative we properly integrate these changes, into our existing curriculum. This means analyzing our options, providing appropriate training at all levels of our program and continuing with broad parent education.

  • Commitment to Excellence in Teaching

Teaching is the foundation of learning and critical to a thriving school district. It is through great teachers we foster the development of lifelong learners. The pursuit of excellence in teaching must continue to be a top priority. I support the Board's ongoing professional development and teacher evaluations.

  • Sustained Fiscal Responsibility

Even with a renewed Parcel Tax and stabilized state revenues, Piedmont's budgets continue to be lean. We must maintain discipline identifying and funding essential program needs while seeking enhancements. One such immediate issue is the remodel of Alan Harvey. This is an out-of-date, inadequate arts and education space. It gets broad student use for a variety of classroom and extra-curricular activities. A renovation will address current problems related to accessibility and provide far more flexible use to accommodate all the district's demands. This, like other significant projects will require collaboration, communication and partnership between the Board, District leadership, parents and the broader community.

  • Stability of Leadership

Our District has enjoyed strong leadership over the last decade yet personnel changes are inevitable in any industry. I am committed to ensuring we maintain strong and stable leadership for the next decade.

  • Connection to the Community

Being on the board requires active community engagement. I will continue to stay available and involved across neighborhoods and community groups as a member of the board of education.

Next Page: Additional Endorsements

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
February 2014 Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter


The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
Created from information supplied by the candidate: January 13, 2014 17:47
Smart Voter   <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://ca.lwv.org