This is a critical moment in the history of the Sequoia Union High School District.  Our schools are on a path of continuous improvement, and are widely regarded as among the best in California.  The District serves a stunningly diverse population with a broad range of successful programs.  Our student population is growing.  This growth and improvement has taken place against a background of declining State funding. 

Funding cuts to Education have increased dramatically in the current Budget Crisis, and the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.  Two long time members of the Board are stepping down, and replacements are needed, who can steer a successful course forward.  I am running for the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees in the November 3, 2009 election. 

As a Trustee, I will:

•Maintain the continuous improvement of a great school district in tough economic times. All SUHSD schools have shown repeated year on year increases in API scores, as course offerings have broadened, and programs have been added and improved to serve the wide diversity of students in the district, despite declining funding. I will help continue the responsible leadership to keep the district on an upward arc, even as funding becomes more scarce.

•Continue expansion of Career and Technical Education in the district. CTE is a key area that has been growing at each campus in the district, offering critical preparation to students who are not college bound. As these programs increase and improve, the various SUHSD campuses will continue to be highly sought after by incoming students.

•Improve communication and partnership with the feeder school districts and the community. Community service and outreach programs can bring our high school students into the Elementary and Middle Schools, as tutors, mentors, and role models. The new and improving facilities across the district can serve as valuable resources for the surrounding community. I will continue to work to ensure that these opportunities are fulfilled.

My preparation to lead in difficult times includes:

•I have led fundraising and support organizations for our schools throughout the last seven years

•I have created and run programs in our schools, working closely with the administration, faculty, parents and students throughout Elementary, Middle, and High School levels

•I have served on multiple committees for both the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District and the Sequoia Union High School district, addressing serious issues in Education

•I have led or participated in the core committee of successful efforts to pass Parcel Taxes and Bonds for our schools

•A 25 year career of Software Development has prepared me to work with large and small teams, broad concepts and small details, driving toward timely and cost-effective solutions to challenging problems

•My experience as a teacher gives me a critical understanding of the needs and priorities of our schools, students, personnel, and community.

Elected November 3, 2009