Key Accomplishments...And More Opportunities

By Terilyn Finders

Highlights from Terilyn Finders advocacy work with local and state political leaders. Recent program and policy changes targeting student achievement.

Key Accomplishments...And More Opportunities

Local Advocacy Success

Technology Support -- Helped secure nearly $600,000 funding from Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Westlake Village to support the District's 21st Century Technology Plan. This significant accomplishment marks the first-ever shared goal for all five agencies: Full integration of technology into the LVUSD education system.

Thanks to our city leadership teams for sharing the vision and belief that investing in education is an investment in strong communities and contributing citizens.

State Advocacy Work

Shaping Sacramento -- Led the charge to establish the state's first-ever Autism Information and Training Center, which ensures all California public schools train education professionals to deliver evidence-based services to children on the autism spectrum.

LVUSD Students and Staff

Student Achievement -- Overall, LVUSD student achievement is among the highest in the state, and test scores continue to climb in all targeted growth areas.

Writing Skills -- Full integration of the Step Up To Writing curriculum in the elementary programs district wide.

Counseling - The addition of Elementary School Counselors has given both students and staff the support needed to realize more nuturing learning environments.

Professional Development -- Supported staff development being determined at the school sites, rather than in the District offices, allowing the professionals closest to the students to determine the services that best meet their needs.

Accountability -- Supported the re-design of all evaluation tools allowing the Board to hold all professionals accountable for student success, and to identify areas where we must offer increased professional development/support.

More Classes with No New Costs -- Approved policy allowing students to take college classes for high school and college credit, giving our students more flexibility in choosing courses that meet their educational goals.

Community College Opportunities -- Approved bringing more community college courses on to our high school campuses to expand our offerings without the cost of adding staff.

21st Century Facilities -- Completed relocation of Yerba Buena Elementary School, beginning comprehensive renovations on Lindero Canyon Middle School, upgrades to high school science labs, beginning work on high school Performing Arts and Education Centers.

More Opportunities...

When re-elected, areas where I want to concentrate my energy include:

Optimal integration of technology into classroom instruction and District operations including online registration, improved communications between home and school, more efficient access to student data and support for site-to-site and vertical teaming collaboration.

Pursue online instructional options for students and online professional development for employees.

Comprehensive district wide training and strengthened health services for our students, as outlined in the District's first-ever comprehensive Health Needs Assessment Survey.

Strengthen our arts and music offerings K through 12 with collaboration time for the District's fine and performing arts instructors and optimal use of new state money to support the arts.

Maintain excellent communication between the District and our city partners, community leaders and parents.