Candidate for
Board Member; Bellevue Union School District

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Carol Montoya, and I am an incumbent board member seeking re-election. As a trustee since 1990, I have been an active advocate for academic excellence and accountability. My family has resided in this district for thirty years and our three daughters attended Bellevue, excelled in their academic studies and hold cherished memories of their positive elementary school experiences.

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Spanish and Education [Curriculum, Teaching and Learning] and I have taught students at all levels, from pre-school through university, both in the United States and in Europe. I am a full-time tenured Spanish instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College, where I have taught since 1981. Elected to three consecutive 3-year terms as Chair of the Department of Modern & Classical Languages at SRJC, I acquired considerable administrative experience managing the department of 40 to 50 instructors offering nine languages throughout Sonoma County. I have a clear understanding of the dynamics of educators, students,classified employees,and community as well as contractual rights and duties, curricular materials and standards, Education Code regulations and budget management. Above all, I know that ethics, respect, standards,accountability,credibility,good will and communication are the hallmarks of success.

We have many challenges and opportunities in our District. Most importantly, we are working to raise academic expectations, accountability and achievement for all while closing the gap between limited English-speakers and their English-speaking peers. Further, we are striving to improve the nutrition and fitness of our children through the quality of food and beverages and the increase of physical activities in the school environment. In addition, we are assuring that our special needs students are well-served and that we offer quality programs for gifted students as well. Despite severe budget limitations, our talented teachers lend their creative energly to provide visual and performing arts experiences for all.

Change is all around us. Our fourth campus, Taylor Mountain School, is now under construction. One of our fine principals. Mr. Yancey Forest-Knowles, has retired, and our Superintendent, Mr. Armando Flores, as well as our Curriculum Director, Mrs. Paula Sutherland, will retire at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. These outstanding and respected aducators have provided distinguished service to our district. We will be seeking excellent candidates to follow them. We have two new principals, Mrs. Lane at Kawana and Mrs. Palladino at Meadow View and we look forward to the addition of their energy, experience and enthusiasm this year. We have a superior team of administrators, teachers and classified staff at our well-maintained schools. The team is focused and determined to provide the best environment for our children to learn and grow.

As a professional educator, a department chair and a board member, I am proud of my record for fiscal responsibility, ethics, and high standards. I am committed to positive collaboration and open communication between the education team and myself. I have a lifetime of experience and dedication to quality public education and a solid knowledge of the educational, social and economic issues, goals and challenges in our District. When it is time to cast your vote, I ask for your support to continue serving you and the children.