Kathy Cowart - Candidate, EUSD Board Trustee

By Kathy Cowart

Biographical Information and Profile

Candidate, Kathy Cowart
Escondido Union School Board Trustee

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts # College of Arts and Sciences with certification in Education # University of New Mexico (1972)

Masters Degree in Counseling # Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego (1991)

WORK EXPERIENCE # 21 years as an educator in elementary, middle and high

school

- taught four years in private schools
- was a middle school teacher and later a school counselor in the Escondido Union School District for eight years
- taught high school English and Humanities in New Mexico
- is currently a school counselor and administrator in the Poway Unified School District

AWARDS

- nominated "Teacher of the Year" in 1973

FAMILY

Kathy lives in the Escondido community with Jim, her husband of 26 years, and her two sons Jonathan and Simeon.

PERSONAL FACTS:

I have a genuine concern for people who cannot advocate for themselves. During the early 1980's I was actively involved in the resettlement of refuges fleeing from countries where ethnic cleansing and persecution was commonplace. My family and I took into our home two different families, one Vietnamese in 1980, and one Cambodian in 1982. We worked closely with Catholic Social Services and World Relief during that time. One of the children we sponsored later won the California State Championship "Spelling Bee" and is now a full-time medical student at the University of California in San Diego. I am also a committed member of a church that actively reaches out to serve the needs of people.

ISSUES:

Proposition 38 #

I have had to "rethink" my position on this proposition. Despite the fact that I support school vouchers for parents who wish to have "choice" in their children's education, this particular proposition is not well-written, and has several unaddressed concerns. I no longer support it.

Proposition 39 #

Although 55% makes for a majority, I have a moral dilemma when it comes to this proposition. I feel that senior citizens, particularly those who are age 65 or older, could have a financial disadvantage. I would like to see a similar proposition that would provide a variable percentage scale in the amount of taxes collected. Property owners are also unfairly represented, as many voters are tenants; it is the owners who are directly responsible for increased taxes.

Family Life Education #

Too many hours are currently spent on the family life education programs in the Escondido district, robbing students of their primary purpose for attending school. I would like to follow the Poway model with more time spent on academics. Student scores are a direct result of "time on task" in the classrooms.

Charter Schools #

Again, I believe that the public has a right to "choice" in their children's education. The more options offered can be a good thing. As in business, increased competition often results in a "better product!"

School Calendar #

The year-round calendar as been an issue of contention in the Escondido district for several years. As a supporter of the traditional year calendar, I would explore every avenue necessary in order to make that change for the students in Escondido.