Candidate for
Board Member; San Mateo-Foster City School District

Beliefs, Leadership, Activities

Proven Ability to Think Independently and Constructively

The school board is the foundation of our democratic society, and community members have the right to hold and to express their beliefs. I listen to and reflect on many different ideas and opinions; this is critical to arriving at well-founded and reasoned decisions.. After considering all opinions offered, I do my own thinking, drawing on a wealth of experience and knowledge to decide what is in the best interest of our students.

My style of leadership is facilitative, encouraging others to use the skills and talents they possess, thus fostering and supporting other individuals? skills. This type of leadership allows a greater pool of abilities to be utilized and builds capacity in the individuals themselves as well as the whole organizational system. The eventual result is a sustaining legacy of continued excellence.

For two years, I was employed as part of a highly respected II/USP external evaluator team that has gone into low-performing schools to assess their strengths and barriers, and to make recommendations as to steps for improving student achievement. I facilitated school staff/community meetings and wrote the schools? action plans based on these discussions and our recommendations.

As a member of the CSBA Board of Directors, I have been involved in educational issues on the state level. Through participation on various state association committees, I have worked on important legislative issues that affect public education, as well as lobbied in Sacramento on key legislation.

Locally, I led the recent successful Measure B Parcel Tax effort for our school district. I am an active member of the SM/FC Community Education Foundation, volunteering with and participating in the recent Franklin Templeton Fun Run/Walk, and personally raising $500 for the Foundation through pledges. With former school board member, John Roos, I spearheaded the formation of the Fiscal Advisory Committee. This Committee remains an important neutral group of community members who educate our community on state school funding and District-level finances, keep abreast of educational legislation, and lobbies in Sacramento.

For fourteen years, I have remained open and accessible, objective, and encouraged free debate of important issues. I will continue to maintain a reasoned and independent position, work with all board members, staff, and the community, and base my decisions on what I believe to be in the best interest of our children.