Mercury News Article

By Julie A. Constant

read the entire article at: http://www.mercurynews.com/my-town/ci_16342976?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Entering the realm of politics has been an eye-opening experience, admits mom-of-five Julie Constant. But with a grasp on what concerns parents and the underlying issues facing local schools, Constant says she's ready to make a contribution on the CUSD board.

One of her strengths, she says, is having experience working with different types of schools in the area, though she has a preference for the public school system. She added that each student learns differently and figuring out how to cater to the individual is part of the challenge.

"My kids have attended private, charter and public schools, and so I've been able to see a really diverse perspective and all the different types of schools and teaching styles," said Constant, 39, using her twin daughters--one of whom is in G.A.T.E. classes and the other in speech therapy--as an example.

One of the ways to help children learn is to use different learning tools, she said. In Measure G, the $150 million bond approved this summer to finance facility and technology improvements, Constant said students will have an opportunity to learn in ways never seen before.

"It's something to pursue," she said. "Times are changing, and technology is making an amazing difference in kids' education."

Constant, a homemaker and current PTA president at Lynhaven Elementary, said the district's administration, faculty and teaching staff have traditionally done an excellent job, especially in the past few years with handling the budget. But she added that there are opportunities to improve, and it begins with paying attention to what's going on.

"I tend to be a pretty quick learner ,and I am very motivated and have a drive and passion for children and their education," said Constant, wife of San Jose City Councilman Pete Constant. "I am a listener before I am a doer, and I would like to do that as much as I can."