Why are you running
for MTUESD School Board?
A school board is mainly responsible
for:
Setting the direction of the district schools, through a long-term
vision plan
Creating and maintaining an organizational structure for that vision
Giving support to the superintendent, teachers, and staff
Maintaining financial sustainability
Keeping everyone focused on the two real goals:
Student well-being
Success in learning and achievement
I have three children in the
district this year, and a fourth who will be there next fall. I would like to actively participate, through
board membership, in preparing all students of our community for their
future. Opportunities we haven’t yet
envisioned for them, and educational situations, far greater than we can
imagine now, are still yet to be discovered.
I would like to help our community bring forth even more excellence in
education than we have now for our kids over these next innovative years.
What, do you feel, are your qualifications?
As a longtime resident of Calaveras County, I
have ties that run deep within both Copperopolis and Angels Camp communities. And, as an alumnus of Mark Twain and Bret
Harte, I have an understanding of the history and values that mean so much to
the people of this area.
In developing my own business these
last fifteen years, predominantly large-scale commercial construction projects
over Northern California, I have learned how to work with people of many
dispositions, backgrounds, and educational levels. I have also learned to be a strong listener,
and discovered that there is great value in varied ideas and opinions. Differing points of view can often open doors
to a greater good. Because I have
employed and managed hundreds of people over the years, I have learned to build
solid relationships, even in negotiations and other potential challenging
situations. I can offer strong people
skills and a solid background in business, including experience in dealing with
large budgets and contracts, as well as knowledge of construction and
facilities planning and maintenance.
What will you bring to
the Board that you feel will make a difference?
As an active member of this
community, I am in a position to be a liaison among parents, teachers,
classified staff, administrators, and board members. I am able to listen openly, convey the ideas
and opinions of others, and make decisions with a whole picture before me.
What are your feelings
on the common core teaching methods being utilized currently?
Though the Common Core concept of
teaching has been a controversial topic, by educating ourselves on the
standards, we will understand these expectations are being implemented to
better prepare our children for college and the work force. Common Core
concepts include problem solving skills necessary for professions not yet
created. Educators I have spoken with are confident that
these teaching methods will better prepare our children for higher level skills.
I believe we have an excellent group of talented teachers in our district and I
trust in their professionalism to implement these standards as they educate our
children.
What are your three
overall priorities if you are elected?
I have two priorities: (1) Listen,
listen, and listen. My job as a board member is to listen to the concerns of
the school site staff and parents, to become informed as to the needs of
students, parents, staff, and administrators. (2) Become well informed so that
decisions can be made that keep the well-being and academic success of students
our major focus.
Does your district
have a Local Control and Accountability Plan? If so, please explain how this
plan works.
Yes, the district has a plan in
place, and it can be found on the Mark Twain Union School District website. The LCAP is a comprehensive planning tool
with a set of educational goals and the specific actions taken by educators to
achieve these required goals.
Do you support or oppose expanded public
education to include preschool in our district?
I have a four year old son currently
in preschool. I believe this is where he
needs to be at this point in his young life. The preschool program is three
days per week for four hours a day with a strong emphasis on experiences,
social skills, and kindergarten preparedness at an appropriate developmental
pace. I am not opposed to expanded
education of a preschool program in our public education, however, I do believe
that such a program needs to support these toddlers and not push them to grow
up faster than they should. A public preschool program should meet them where
they are at that phase of life, and not be a substitute for a daycare program. They
get to enjoy this young phase of life for such a short period of time. Let’s
not push them to grow faster than they already do.
Are you familiar with Vergara v California? What is your
understanding of this case and what is your position on tenure?
I
am familiar with this case and I believe there is reform needed in teacher
tenure and layoff procedures. The
decision is currently stayed, pending appeal.
It was based on “grossly ineffective teachers obtaining and retaining
permanent employment, and that these teachers are disproportionately situated
in schools serving predominantly low-income and minority students.” This case,
however, may have a powerful impact on many good teachers as well as those new
to the profession. Teachers deserve to
have reasonable protections against arbitrary dismissal, which this case may
induce. On the other hand, districts
also need a mechanism to dismiss an under-performing teacher, after support and
training has been ineffective, without costing the district thousands of dollars
and a burdensome amount of time. The
Court of Appeals will render a future decision regarding these issues.
Personal
Statement:
I believe
we have a highly qualified and effective group of teachers and support staff in
our district. It is an honor to have them in the lives of my own children, as
well as the lives of my extended family members. My wife and I love that about our schools and
this incredible community. My wife
Rebecca and I chose to return to Angels Camp after our first son was born,
because we wanted Mark Twain, Bret Harte, and Calaveras County people to help
form the values and successes of our children.
We believe in the goodness of this small community, where hard-working
people volunteer their time, talent, and treasure to enrich the lives of young
people. The day will come, all too soon, when our children, and yours, will go
out into the world on their own. We want each one prepared for a life well
lived; our schools partner with us to create that end. I would like to support this ultimate goal as
a board member where well informed decision-making can help us all with that
goal.