Ballot Statement

By Cindy Goodsell

Occupation: Incumbent, CPA, Parent Age: 49

Education and Qualifications:

I am proud of what our district has accomplished during my board tenure. An ambitious district-wide modernization program has been completed within budget. Safe school plans are in place at each school. An easy to use information system that allows teachers to identify students' specific learning needs has been implemented. Many successful interventions for struggling students have been added to our teachers' toolboxes. All of our schools have seen significant growth in test scores making us the highest scoring school district in San Jose.

Sadly, our district's funding has been cut by 15% over the past two years. Surviving this financial crisis has required a multi-pronged approach. We have cut back on administrative positions, raised class sizes by 1 in grades 6+8, passed a modest parcel tax, and increased investment income $725,000 by negotiating new leases for closed school sites. Finally, we are spending `rainy day' money that we saved during better economic times.

My advocacy for long-term planning and fiscal prudence, my focus on student achievement and my willingness to make difficult decisions have made a critical difference in our district's well-being.

On November 2, please vote for Cindy Goodsell.