Candidate for
Trustee; Santa Clara Unified School District; Trustee Area 2

2014 (Current Election) Ballot Statement

Since 2006 when you first elected me, I have relentlessly advocated for stronger Math and Science programs, because students must graduate ready for college or career to succeed in our technology-driven world. By 2013, Algebra-1 proficiency increased from 25% to 35%.

Our doctoral-degreed Board majority has accelerated SCUSD's transformation to educational excellence: Expanded Basics+, Middle College, and AP Computer Science programs; Readiness-driven academic acceleration starting 5th grade; Mathematics-degreed Associate Superintendent; Middle School STEM Institute.

World-renowned Mathematics education experts Professors Jim Milgram (Stanford), Wayne Bishop (CSU) and Radha Ranganathan (CSU) declare, "Rarely does a district get the opportunity to have such a well-educated yet common-sense school board member as Dr. Ina Bendis."

Schools Trustees Chris Stampolis, Amy Koo, Juan Aranda and Anna Song urge Ina's reelection because "Ina Bendis always puts students' interests first, comes prepared to Board meetings with well-researched data, and governs with integrity."

Veteran SCUSD teachers Leslie Code (Elementary) and Sara Smith (Secondary) unreservedly support Ina's reelection, saying, "Dr. Bendis' decades of teaching experience, pre-K though University, give her unique insights to ensure SCUSD's programs will best meet students' needs."

Please re-elect Ina Bendis. http://www.bendisforboard.com

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2010 Election (First Re-Election) Ballot Statement

Thank you for the honor of representing you these past four years on SCUSD's Governing Board.

Our District has successes to celebrate and opportunities to enhance our service to you. We must narrow the achievement gap, increase educational options, and expand Basics-plus programs. We must govern with transparency, integrity, fiscal responsibility and administrative accountability. We must support teachers and staff, and provide resources to meet all our diverse students' learning needs.

Students' mastery of technology, math, science and language skills determines their fate in our increasingly challenging global economy. As a physician, professor, attorney and homeowner, with two gifted special-needs children, I am dedicated to providing all kids access to truly great public education.

Fellow SCUSD Trustee Albert Gonzalez says, "Dr. Ina Bendis' commitment to fiscal responsibility and narrowing the achievement gap provides a valuable voice on the SCUSD Board."

Community College Trustee Chris Stampolis says, "Dr. Ina Bendis understands the academic challenges facing today's students. Her insightful questions advocate for community concerns."

Santa Clara County Board of Education President Anna Song says, "Ina Bendis' medical background helps her to analyze the challenges facing our kids. As a local parent I urge her re-election."

Please reelect Dr. Ina Bendis. http://www.bendisforboard.com

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2006 Election (Initial Election) Ballot Statement

A vote for BENDIS for BOARD is a vote to improve academic achievement for every Santa Claran. A great education is key to advancement, success, and happiness in modern society.

I know the joys and difficulties of parenting school-age kids in public schools. My children were gifted and talented, but with special education needs. I had to fight for them to get the help that enabled them to graduate and go to college. As your Schools Trustee, I will help your kids, too.

I understand the challenges teachers face in partnering with administration and community. I have worked in Head Start, taught SAT prep, substitute taught at Wilcox, instructed Stanford medical students, and mentored deaf, blind, and learning disabled students. I volunteered in elementary schools and with Read Santa Clara literacy program, and interviewed Cornell applicants. I have served on nonprofit boards.

Chris Stampolis, West Valley-Mission Community College District Trustee, says "Ina Bendis has passion and energy to strengthen coalitions with local colleges."

Trustee Anna Song, Santa Clara County Board of Education, says "Ina Bendis will represent all the families of this diverse district. Please join me in voting for Ina Bendis."

Please visit http://www.bendisforboard.com. I ask for your vote.