Candidate for
Board Member; Castro Valley Unified School District

I have been a part of the transformation of the board from a group of somewhat detached individuals, many with political agendas, with varying levels of understanding about K-12 education, who did not seek further training as school board members, and had long, contentious meetings, seldom focused on what directly affected students in their classrooms. My education as a board member began with the California School Board Association's training for new board members (2 days);followed by the 2 year, 60 hour training that led to the Master's in Boardsmanship, the first CV Board member to do this. Others then followed until, after 3 new members joined the board over 6 years, all 5 members completed the training. Subsequently we all jumped at the chance to complete the new 2 year Masters in Governance training, along with our superintendent(s). We are again completing the program with our two newest board members. It provides tools to keep board members focused on what matters in the school district, not on individual agendas. I also served as a District Director to CSBA for 4 years, representing Alameda and Contra Costa School Boards.

I am now running for re-election to the school board to continue and improve upon our exemplary school district: strong fiscal management, great teaching staff, many state and national recognitions and awards, and business support and recognition of our student achievement and teaching excellence. Our schools provide a community focus, high property values, support for our students and families and wonderful leisure facilities. After 6 years of state cuts, we now enter a time that promises funding stability and slowly growing revenues. The newly passed Local Control state Funding Formula requires planning with parents, teachers, and community, to better insure that all students achieve to their potential. Education promises the best future for our students, our community, and country as a whole. I know from my early board experience how quickly a district can destabilize with too rapid change. With two new board members in the past 2 years, CVUSD has been and will be better served by the stability and continuity that I provide, as well as by my perspective as a holder of a California Pupil Personnel Services Credential and my years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This background provides me with clarity and focus to meet the needs of our students at all grade levels.