Candidate for
Board Member; Monterey Peninsula Unified School District; Trustee Area 3

The MPUSD Board's responsibility is policy and fiscal stability. Though the Board approves by majority vote recommendations that are brought by the staff, the Superintendent is the leader of the District. The expertise and understanding of our educational programs are paramount. Relationships with staff and the Board are the keys to a positive outlook and functioning district. The trust between the Superintendent and the Board is of upmost importantce. In searching for a Superintendent, we must learn from the past. We must seek a person who understands the culture and personality of our district. Our children deserve a leader who is realistic in his or her choices for our children, employees and community

Our employees deserve more. They have remained with this district through school closings and budget reducations in their programs that have created less time to accomplish the task of educating our children. The Board is handicapped by a lack of funding by the state and federal government. Each year more and more programs are demanded by the legislatures but no funding to support those programs. Working on the negotiation team as a District representative has given me first hand knowledge of the importance of correct, timely information. We are proceeding in a positive direction with the completion of a contract with both bargaining units and the salary raises they deserve in the very near future.

The future developments in Marina and Seaside will be good for our district. More children translates to higher funding. We must proceed with caution that we do not rush into approving building construction of schools. Even though there are 20-30% affordable housing in these developments, the average cost of the individual houses may not be affordable to new parents with young children.

Children are our future. We need to provide the best education possible with inadequate funding. Whether the student chooses the path of college or joins the work force after graduation they need an abundance of choices. Surveys show that this generation of students will change careers on an average of seven times before finalizing a life career. With our expanded programs in ROP and Adult Education, we are suppling them the needed knowledge to make wise decisions. Our continued relationship with the business community has provided internships for our students to experience different careers while attending high school. Our students need a strong educational background to solve problems, think critically and to be prepared to face future challenges. The more knowledge they gain early about different paths in business, graphics, medicine, sports, technology, agriculture and environment will help them cross reference these careers in their final decision.

We also are reaching out to those students that need another educational opportunity by providing an alternative high school. Central Coast Continuation High School is an avenue students can choose. During their completion of their high school education, they can also intern in community careers. Our programs have expanded over the last four years in answer to the needs of our students.