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Orange, Los Angeles County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Barbara Dunsheath

Candidate for
Trustee; North Orange County Community College District; Trustee Area 2

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

Passionate about serving both the academic and vocational needs of our community with superior quality and efficiency.

Dr. Barbara Dunsheath has twenty-one years professional community college experience. I believe community colleges are the most democratic institutions of higher learning. Community colleges provide California's needs for economic advancement and ensure an educated citizenry.

Dr. Barbara Dunsheath keeps tax cuts away from students. While I have been a trustee, despite budget cuts of ten percent, NOCCCD

  • Served over 5,000 students more than the state apportionment for the district.
  • Avoided furloughs and maintained class instruction hours.
  • Hired 15 new full time faculty to enrich academic programming.
  • Backfilled categorical cuts of 40% to maintain student programs.
  • Loaned students Cal Grants when the state was unable to fund these due to lack of a timely budget.

Dr. Barbara Dunsheath believes in protecting tax dollars from waste.
  • While I have been trustee, NOCCCD has served nearly 15% more students for less than 5% increased cost while inflation has increased about 10%.
  • Since 2002, NOCCCD has maximized the $239 million Measure X bond funds into construction or renovation of 22 awards winning facilities.
  • While I have been trustee, NOCCCD maintained a balanced budget every year.

Dr. Barbara Dunsheath believes improving student outcomes should be a primary goal for NOCCCD. Community Colleges need to assist students in meeting their educational goals: transfer, workforce preparation, and individual growth and development
  • Certificate and degree completion rates have risen at NOCCCD every year I have served in office.
  • As a member of the Commission on the Future, I endorsed its call for 1 million more degrees and certificates from California community colleges by 2020.
  • I initiated an innovation fund to provide mini-grants to enhance student success strategies and reduce time to degree

Dr. Barbara Dunsheath wishes to continue serving the educational needs of my community by bringing community college experience as:
  • Professor - Working in the classroom I facilitate community college students in achieve their dreams. Teaching and learning are the heart of community colleges and my primary profession.
  • Trustee - vice-president of a thoughtful educated team, leading North Orange County Community College in fulfilling its mission, "to serve and enrich our communities and inspire lifelong learning by providing education that is exemplary, relevant, and accessible."
  • Educational Researcher - Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a specialization in community colleges. My dissertation focused on student learning outcomes. Presenter at various conferences. Remains current in the field.
  • Vice-Chair, Commission on the Future - Chosen to lead this state-wide committee of educational leaders who promote enhancing student success, protecting access and ensuring equity.
  • Community College Parent - My son attended Cypress College and has successfully transferred to a UC School.
  • Former Community College Student - I have taken various enrichment classes.

As a board member I believe my role is primarily as a volunteer and do not seek personal gain from the office. I have never voted myself an increase in compensation. I do not utilize health benefits from NOCCCD even though they are offered to all trustees. I have never held another political office nor do I seek any other political office.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 29, 2010 16:32
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