Candidate for
Board Member; Windsor Unified School District

My name is Eric Heitz. I was born and raised within the Windsor Unified district. My parents had a house on Eastside Road just north of town. My family history in this area goes back nearly 150 years. My mothers' side of the family, the Wilsons, were the original settlers of what is now Riverfront regional park. The redwood grove that stands in the park is actually named Wilson Grove. My fathers family is from Healdsburg. I am proud to say that over 100 years ago my great great grandfather planted the trees that are in the Healdsburg plaza. I, my parents, and all 4 of my grandparents attended HHS.

I am happily married for 19 years to my wife Ellen who is helping me tremendously with this endeavor. Ellen and I met on a blind date set up by two of our friends who are also teachers. Ellen too is a credentialed teacher and has taught at the primary level. She is currently a stay home mom and substitute teaches at Windsor Creek Elementary once in a while. We have lived in Windsor since 1996 and have two children. Brien is an honor roll student in his junior year at WHS. He has chosen the Axis STEM Academy as his core. Brien plays French horn in the band and plays in the SR Youth repertory orchestra as well. My daughter Sarah is in the 8th grade and attends Windsor Middle School. She is a straight A student and plays flute in the honor band. Sarah also plays U14 soccer in Windsor and ice skates competitively with the Santa Rosa figure skating club.

After high school I went to Fresno State University to become a teacher. I can honestly say I never changed my major. After finishing my teaching credentials in physical education and biology I returned to Sonoma County and took a temporary teaching job in Santa Rosa at Comstock Middle School for two years. When the temporary position ran out I applied and was hired at Calistoga Jr/Sr High school and have now taught there for 21 years. I have recently finished a Master's degree in teacher leadership. I have certifications in project-based learning (PBL), 21st century learning skills, Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). As a teacher I have experience using Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balance testing. Working in a small district affords me the luxury of being involved in nearly all facets of the schools. I have served on nearly all committees, I have built the master schedule, I have been a mentor teacher, and have hosted 6 student teachers. I have also been a Union officer and many times have led the negotiation team in contract talks with the local school board representatives. In addition to teaching I have coached track & field, soccer and baseball. I was also the athletic director for several years.