I am an advocate of public education, having been an educator for 32 years in Whittier, Marina, Fort Ord, and currently at Foothill School in Monterey. These experiences have provided me with a broad based knowledge of the educational needs of the varied communities in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
During my teaching career, I have touched the lives of over 1,000 students-- an overwhelmingly positive experience. I want to continue to improve our local educational system. Many of my former students are now parents, and I feel an obligation to them to provide a sound education for their children.
As a parent, educator and resident of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, my goal is for our educational system to regain it's integrity and top status as an exceptional school district.
I Believe:
·To be effective, District Trustees and Administration must engender public and employee trust
·Communications need to be honest, factual and timely
·The budget must be continually monitored to ensure District solvency
·Salaries need to be on a competitive level to attract qualified employees
·Board action should be based on an understanding of the educational program and how it relates to budgetary issues
·Academic programs need to be assessed on a regular basis to determine their effectiveness
·Partnerships with businesses and cities should be expanded ensuring educational relevance to the world of work and business needs
·Safety of students and improved conditions of school
facilities must continue to be a priority
·MPUSD graduates should be technologically able and
computer literate
·Educating our young adults on the importance of the
election process by registering and voting is paramount to our foundation of democracy
For the past four years, I have taken advantage of all opportunities to educate myself on our district's educational programs and its financial status by regularly attending the district board meetings, budget committee meetings, budget study sessions, bond meetings ,blue ribbon meetings and by working with the Monterey Bay Teachers Association Board.
I have a vested interest in this community and wish to be one of the planners for our district's new visions and blueprint plans that need to be formulated.
Three years ago at a budget presentation for teachers, it was stated that, "If you wish to make a difference in the education in your district, you must elected qualified, educated people to your local boards."
What better candidate to make difficult budget decisions than a teacher who truly cares for children, and who also has a sound understanding of the relationship between finances and education?
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