Full Biography for William ( Bill ) Santora

By William "Bill" Santora

I am married with 2 teenage daughters who both attend San Lorenzo schools and have done so since kindergarten. My wife has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in our district for 19 years. I served on the Hillside School Representative Council for 2 yrs including 1 yr as Chairman. I was on the PTA at Hillside School and served as Treasurer/Vice President. I had been on the Strategic Planning Committee for several years. I was elected and served a 4 yr term on the San Lorenzo Board of Education (1996-2000), including a term as Vice President /Clerk. During that time, I served on the Sheriff's Advisory Committee as well as on the Council for the Prevention of Drinking and Driving. I am currently the President of the Washington Manor Music Boosters.

During my term on the School Board, we reopened the long awaited Middle schools, reconfigured the Elementary schools to the K-5 levels, and made all 185 K through 3rd grade classrooms 20 students or less. All 15 of our schools were modernized with upgraded technology infrastructure, roofing, plumbing, lighting, heating and other much needed renovations after more than 30 years of use. We ensured that there were computer labs in every school with internet access, with over 3,500 computers in San Lorenzo schools for student use, as well as laying the ground work for the E learning program. Dramatic improvement was shown in test scores as well with some of our schools showing an average of 30 % growth in reading and a 50 % growth in math. All while remaining fiscally sound.

Over the last 6 years, we have made improvements, but we have a long way to go. We must continue to have useful staff development. Our teachers must be given any and all the support possible to be able to reach each and every student. The curriculum must be aligned to the state standards. The E learning program has to be expanded to include all of our students in each and every school. The main roadblock to this is the funding that is needed. The district has to search out any and all possible funding sources.

I am an avid reader who has the time, as well as the desire to listen to all sides of issues before the board. If I don't know an answer, I can be counted on to search for the best solution possible. As a soldier, I know how to lead people as well as how to be a team player .From my experience on the board, I know what it takes to make the tough decisions that are needed. As a parent, I see what our students are expected to accomplish as well as what tools they need to get the job done. As a spouse of a district employee, I see the hardships of being a teacher in California today. Because of my experiences I am able to look at a problem in many different ways and work towards finding the best solution possible. I not only have a vested interest in our schools because of my own children, but I also have a strong passion for the job and want to see each and every one of our students succeed in life. If elected, I will do whatever it takes to do the very best job I can for our students. I can be counted on to work with all of our parents, community members, and employees in a fair and honest manner and to try to rebuild trust between all stakeholders. I want to be a part of a school district where parents, teachers, students, and community members all hold the same interest in student success.