By Nikki Capshaw

As the parent of 2 daughters, who has spent countless hours volunteering at their schools, serving on the PTA Executive Board, the School Site Council and Booster Club, chairing the Roosevelt Elementary School Variety Show for 4 years running and even spearheading a city-wide "Demonstration for Education"? on the steps of City Hall when the budget crisis hit our teachers hard last year with lay-off notices, I have had the opportunity to hear first hand the concerns of students, teachers, parents and administrators.

And while I don't claim to have the answers to all of the problems facing our schools today, I won't be afraid to ask the tough questions. Questions like:

Why do our high schools offer a combined 19 AP courses for 4,770 students while Hoover High in Glendale offers 23 AP courses for its 2,700 students?

Why did a mere 41% of our high school seniors take the SAT last year compared to 61% of seniors at Crescenta Valley High in Glendale?

Why did only 20% of Burroughs' graduates and 27% of Burbank's graduates meet the Cal State/UC requirements for admissions? I don't think it is the job of a School Board member to rubber stamp everything that comes across their desk. I do think it is their job to ask questions and be tireless in pursuing the answers, looking, if need be, to other school districts across the county, across the state and even across the country for solutions.

If elected, I will not be just a name and photograph on the school wall; rather I will get to know the schools intimately, pledging to spend time on a regular basis with the teachers, students and staff at each of the school sites. How else can a School Board member really know what the problems and strengths of each site are and in turn effect change which will benefit everyone?

I urge you, at your leisure, to spend a few minutes on my website, http://www.voteCapshaw.com. Email me with your concerns, your questions, your ideas. Communication is crucial if we are to create the world class schools Burbank's students deserve. I thank you for your time and I ask you for your support in my bid for a seat on the School Board.