Official Ballot Statement

	Official Ballot Statement
                 Statement of BILL ALBRIGHT, Candidate for
                           Governing Board Member
   Occupation: Chief Financial Officer
   Age: 40
   Education and Qualifications: MBA, Harvard Business School; MS, BS,
   Biological Sciences, Stanford University
     * Organized and financed biotechnology/medical companies from
       start-up through initial public offerings.
     * Restructured businesses to increase revenues and manage expenses.
     * Managed $65 million in annual worldwide sales.
       
   Our schools are confronted simultaneously with two significant
   financial challenges: chronic deficit spending and management of the
   $143 million school bond issue. Since the district can not directly
   control its revenues, the school board must exercise discipline in
   managing the district's expenses. Growth in spending should be
   justified by district priorities and offset against other expenses
   when necessary. I will say "no" when it is the right thing to do.
   
   After raising $143 million in bonds in 1995, the district stumbled
   over renovation planning and escalating costs. Consequently all
   schools have suffered 2 years additional delay. I support the
   superintendent's decision to break the problem down and begin funding
   high priority repairs to schools now. My experience in analyzing and
   financing technical development programs should be useful in moving
   the renovation program forward.
   
   Parent involvement is important in district decisions. No one person
   or group has all the answers. I would reach out to all interested
   parties and establish common priorities. District practices should
   encourage parent participation.
   
   Palo Alto's schools are good, and they can be better. Since
   "excellence" means different things to different people, I believe in
   offering choices. Within reasonable limits, I support the diversity
   across the district from Ohlone and Hoover to the Spanish Immersion
   Program. Within any given subject, such as math or reading, we should
   have a strong curriculum. Our goal should be to move all students
   ahead to reach their own maximum potential. I respect the interests of
   teachers and parents regarding curriculum and would seek to
   incorporate both in board decisions. Changes in curriculum should be
   made thoughtfully (with objective data wherever possible) and with
   consideration for their impact on the students affected by them.
   
   My wife and I both work, and we have 3 children at the early
   elementary level. I was fortunate to enjoy excellent public schools
   grades K-12. I would like our children to enjoy the same. Please vote
   for me.
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