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BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT Marci Lapriore
Heather Partida
ate an effective Professional Development schedule and keep class sizes as low as possible. I plan to continue that work as a board member. I am frugal, analytical and determined, and I have dedicated my life to being an educator. As a board member, I will represent students, parents, teachers and the community. I will promote and support decisions that reinforce high standards for students and I will be a voice for our professionals - the teachers.
As the governor has implemented a new funding model for schools, it is now more important than ever that the board is making thoughtful decisions. We have many challenges to tackle, like class size and curriculum. However, I want to make sure that we are supporting our students in other ways, by adding counselors back to elementary schools and expanding our music, art and GATE programs. Professional development for all members of our staff is vital. In order to have successful students, we must provide our staff members with the training and tools they need. Anyone who knows me knows how sincerely I take my role as board member. I do not make any decision lightly. I think through all sides, I talk to others, I do my research and then, and only then, do I make my decision. And you shouldn't expect anything less from your board members. My focus will always be making the best decisions for kids. It is really that simple. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I look forward to continuing to provide a voice for parents in the decision-making process. I am eager, qualified and asking for your vote.
My family moved to Brentwood in 2002 and my three children attended BUSD schools. I began teaching in BUSD in 2005 and remained in the district until 2013, when I took a one-year contract teaching English at Liberty High School. I have coached volleyball at Edna Hill Middle School since 2006, and I am now an adjunct professor at Los Medanos Community College teaching English and a Licensed Real Estate Agent. As a teacher with BUSD, I volunteered to serve on the Teacher Liaison Committee, or bargaining team. We worked with the district and board to balance the budget, cre-
My name is Heather Partida and I am running for re-election to the Brentwood Union School District Board of Trustees. I have a degree in political science from UC Davis and work as the executive assistant to the superintedent in a neighboring district. My husband and I have two beautiful daughters, both of whom have attended Brentwood Schools since kindergarten. I see first hand the wonderful teachers and staff members who pour their hearts into the students of our district every day. I will do everything in my power to give our students the tools they need to excel.
Johnny Rodriguez
Susan Wallace
As a life-long resident, I have chosen Brentwood to raise my two sons with my wife Anacani. Both my sons attend Brentwood schools. I myself attended Brentwood, Garin and Edna Hill, graduating from Liberty High School in 1990. For twenty years, I have dedicated my life to establishing and growing a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people. As founder and executive director of One Day At a Time, I worked with school districts throughout East County. I work hand-in-hand with administrators and school staff, but my greatest blessing is to work direct-
ly with today’s youth. I strongly believe all children deserve an equal chance to learn and grow. As a school board member, I will strive to ensure students receive the support they need and that our educators and administrators have the resources necessary to provide an effective, safe, learning environment. I am committed to the success of each child, recognizing that a positive environment is critical for our teachers to help our children succeed. With no hidden agenda, and a desire to see Brentwood kids achieve their own dreams, I will provide a voice of reason to the students, parents and the taxpayers of Brentwood.
Parent and community volunteer Stanford BA, MA; MBA The biggest investment we make as parents, and as a community, is in our children’s futures by funding local schools. I’d like to ensure that the time and money we spend on our children’s education is invested wisely. If elected, I will focus on improving academic achievement, increasing access to relevant technology and promoting parental input. I will listen to parents, and work with staff, to ensure our schools better meet the needs of all of our students. I am passionate about academic excellence. I was able to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and
a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from Stanford, because of the advancedplacement program offered at the public high school I attended. I want to ensure that our children continue to have the same opportunities. That path starts in our kindergarten through 12th-grade classrooms. I am concerned that our children are being lost at both ends of the achievement spectrum. The goal must be to support and enrich each child’s educational journey. Although we must ensure that all students master a standard base curriculum of essential learning, we must also ensure that students’ enrichment and remedial needs are being met. My children could not be growing up in a better community. With two kids in Brentwood schools, and a third at Heritage, I have a personal interest in making changes today while my children are still attending district schools. I have been a classroom volunteer, organized the past 13 Brentwood Elementary Bazaar fundraisers, coached Odyssey of the Mind teams for seven years, and served on the Brentwood Planning Commission. I will do everything I can to ensure that Brentwood schools provide our children with an academic advantage as they confront the challenges of college admission and tomorrow’s job market.
Note: Candidates were invited to submit a statement of up to 300 words. The statements have not been fact-checked but were edited for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
4B
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OCTOBER 17, 2014
BYRON UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT Kari Murayama
Tania Salinas
trict as an instructional aid. Serving on the board, and working in the district, has given me a much deeper understanding and appreciation for how the district operates at all levels. Seeing the teachers implementing Common Core standards has been so inspirational. My number-one special interest is to be the community’s advocate for all children to have academic and social success. For that to happen, I feel employees need ongoing training to keep up with the ever-changing climate, so they can best serve our student populations. I’d appreciate your support!
ranging from classroom paraprofessional to her current position as a middle school assistant principal. Before coming to middle school, she worked as an elementary assistant principal for six years and as an elementary classroom teacher. Tania Salinas has dedicated her life to serving students. During her years in education, Tania has served on the School Attendance Review Board for East Contra Costa County. She is a board member for Association of California School Administrators Delta Charter. She is a participant of the district Local Control and Accountability Plan Committee, which identifies and reviews student needs and district goals. When she is not at work, she enjoys watching and playing sports with her son, who is in kindergarten, traveling to any destination with a beach and spending time with family. As a school board member, Tania will maintain the excellence of the schools the community has already established, while welcoming the future of education so students are prepared to be career- and college-ready, and ultimately prepared to compete in a global economy. Tania believes we must come together as a community to support our students, staff and district as our students enter into 21st-century learning.
It’s an honor for me to run for Board of Trustees for Byron Union School District again. My husband and I have lived in Discovery Bay with our children for 22 years. I served on the Byron board from 2006 to 2010. As a former board member, I attended many trainings at the state level and served as liaison for the board on policy, health and wellness, preschool development, bridge committee and decision making on building for Measure C. Before I served on the board, I served as school site councilpPresident for the elementary and middle school. After serving my term, I have stayed actively involved with the dis-
Tania Salinas is a long-time resident of the Discovery Bay and Byron area, and a 1996 graduate of Liberty High School. She is a 2000 graduate of Sacramento State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a concentration in human resource management. Tania attended Chapman University, where she earned her teaching credential, administrative credential and a Master of Arts degree in curriculum and instruction. Salinas has always been passionate for high-quality education for students and schools in the community. She has been in education for more than sixteen years, holding a variety of positions
Felicia Schweller
Diane Stewart
I have been a resident of far East County since 2001. After completing my Masters Degree in multicultural education, I was hired by the Oakley Union School District as a 5th-grade teacher. As a teacher, I have had the opportunity to teach lower- and upper-elementary grades, as well as a combination class and special education. I have been on curriculum adoption committees and district committees for language arts and science and response to Intervention. I have been a BTSA mentor for new teachers and a Union Representative for my school site. I am also lucky enough to be a parent of a child in the Byron School District. My daughter attends 5th grade at Timber
Point in the Specialized Academic Instruction class. The program, up to this year, had been at Discovery Bay Elementary. I have been active at both school sites in the classroom as a room parent, as well as involved in the PTA and School Site Council. As a community volunteer, I have the privilege of being on the board of two nonprofit organizations. I am currently the TOPSoccer (soccer for children with special needs) coordinator for Impact Soccer Club and I also sit on the board of the Special Kids Foundation. As a board member of the Special Kids Foundation, I completed a Child Advocacy Certification Program. I help parents understand special education laws and help them work with school districts to provide appropriate educational services for their children. Being on the board of both organizations has brought me great joy and an understanding of the many challenges that of trying to run an organization. I have a passion for education and I feel my well-rounded professional background and my participation as a community volunteer will bring a unique perspective to the school board. I look forward to the challenges ahead, as I know the decisions a school board makes are very meaningful to students, teachers and families. I hope to have the opportunity to serve this community as a member of the Byron Union School Board.
I’m a small-business owner who was educated in the California publicschool system from primary through university. I’m an active member of the Parent Teacher Association and a constant volunteer in the classroom. I’m passionate about the quality of education our children receive in our school district and our state. Having traveled nationally and internationally, and interacted with people from many places, I know that California has the right opportunities to help our youth succeed in life. My goal is to work hard for our schools, so our children’s paths through education are elite, exciting, purposeful and fun.
Note: Candidates were invited to submit a statement of up to 300 words. The statements have not been fact-checked but were edited for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
OCTOBER 17, 2014
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5B
DISCOVERY BAY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT Kevin Graves
My name is Kevin Graves and I am asking you to re-elect me to the Discovery Bay Community Services District Board of Directors on Tuesday, November 4. I am a 20 year resident of and stakeholder in Discovery Bay. In my previous five years on the board, I served two terms as president and one term as vice resident. I take my responsibility of serving you seriously and I fulfill my duties passionately. In the past five years, much has been accomplished while maintaining fiscal discipline. One of the greatest achievements under my leadership is the recognition of our district as a California District of Distinction. There are
Robert Leete more than a thousand special districts in the state and Discovery Bay is one of only 23 districts to have received this distinction. With my support, we have reached a number of significant accomplishments: For more than 20 years, the vision of a community center was not realized. Three years ago, this board was able to complete that vision. Without incurring any debt, we secured a grant that paid for half of the initial cost of the property. This allowed funding for enhanced renovations, as well as youth and adult programs. Under my leadership, we developed a comprehensive 10 year plan and have completed many infrastructure upgrades to ensure reliable and safe water distribution, as well as necessary improvements to our aging wastewater facilities. We continue to focus on technology to address water conservation and ecofriendly solutions. We have done all of this while maintaining the lowest water rates in the area. If re-elected I will continue to work diligently to represent the residents of Discovery Bay and to maintain and improve our community. Please vote for Kevin Graves on Nov. 4. Kevin Graves is running on a slate with Chris Steele and Marianne Wiesen.
Chris Steele
2014 board vice president and incumbent Fiscal discipline Affordable water and sewer rates Well-maintained parks and landscaping. Community center and recreatin programs Responsible water and Delta management.My name is Chris Steele and I would be honored to continue to serve you on our Community Services District Board. We must always maintain fiscal discipline, never engaging in deficit spending. During the past four years, reserves have increased while we balanced every budget. Both water and sewer rates must be kept affordable. Additionally, as a re-
Retired Finance Director Education: BA, California State University, East Bay. Graduate Studies, Golden Gate University. The most important job of an elected official is to prioritize and approve the expenditure of public funds while helping to guide the direction of the organization. As a financial professional with more than 40 years of experience, 20 of which were involved with water and wastewater utilities, I know firsthand the challenges of setting community priorities, delivering quality services and balancing a budget. The Town of Discovery Bay Community Services District is our local government body. The town is responsible for pro-
viding safe and reliable drinking water, treating and disposing of wastewater, maintaining our landscaping and parks and delivering recreation opportunities to our community. The Town of Discovery Bay receives its funding from our property taxes and water and wastewater user fees. I am asking for your vote to represent you on the Town of Discovery Bay Community Services District Board of Directors. I want to ensure that our limited public funds and services are managed in the most responsible and efficient way. In addition to career experience, I have many years of experience serving on boards of directors of youth sports leagues and a $500 million California and Nevada credit union. I currently volunteer my time as the director of finance for the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. My goal is to represent you openly, honestly and respectfully, assuring that quality services are provided to you in an economical and effective manner. I am uniquely qualified, prepared and committed to help guide our community. My wife, Joanne and I have been married for 33 years, and as a full-time resident of Discovery Bay, as a father and as a grandfather, these issues are important to me now, and will be in the future. I ask for your vote on Nov. 4. Sincerely, Bob Leete
Marianne Bierschenk Wiesen sponsible agency, we must plan for future expansions while protecting water quality appropriately and disposing of sewage. Our newly approved master plans accomplish this. Professional landscape maintenance enhances our community while protecting property values. As we expand our parks, we must keep them in top shape. Our new community center is a great resource for everyone. While all the above requires funding, we have the resources to get the job done. Proper budget prioritization, along with bringing the whole community together, is what I bring to the district. A local businessman for many years, I have served as President of our Chamber of Commerce and of the board. Active in numerous community associations, I believe in listening to everyone’s concerns and innovative ideas. With a bachelor’s of science degree, I’ve worked with firms such as Cisco, Sony, Solectron and Apple. A Discovery Bay resident since 1995, I met my wife Amy here and our children attend Excelsior Middle School and Liberty High School. We are fully committed to this community. Thank you for your consideration. Chris Steele is running on a slate with Kevin Graves and Marianne Wiesen.
Appointed incumbent Fiscal discipline Affordable water and sewer rates Well -maintained parks and landscaping Community center and recreation programs Responsible water and Delta management My name is Marianne Wiesen and I would be honored to continue to serve on your Community Services District Board. I was appointed to fulfill the balance of Ray Tetreault’s term, a gentleman I admired and respected and was honored to have his support. I have been active in community service my entire career, on leadership boards and service organizations. During my career as a nursing home administrator, I supervised
the care and morale of several hundred residents and staff, providing a high standard of living for residents while maintaining good stewardship of multimillion-dollar budgets. The town board seeks individuals with values of innovation, respect, integrity, professionalism and accountability. These are values I have upheld in my professional and civic life, utilizing innovation to write grants for projects such as an Alzheimer memory garden and bariatric unit. Recently Gloria Good and I submitted for and were awarded a $15,000 grant from the Beswick Foundation for Kaleidoscope. I continue to volunteer and support causes I about which I am passionate. I am a founding member of BARK animal rescue, administrative and development director of Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection and volunteer senior peer counselor with Contra Costa County, and am a recipient of CSD/SDLF special district governance, and CSDA leadership academy awards. Vision and goals: To effectively lead and carefully steward public funds in key issues such as the water and wastewater services, maintenance of parks and our community center, development of off-leash dog parks and to help establish a nonprofit for Friends of the Discovery Bay Community Center to foster volunteerism for all ages . Marianne Wiesen is running on a slate with Chris Steele and Kevin Graves.
Note: Candidates were invited to submit a statement of up to 300 words. The statements have not been fact-checked but were edited for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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OAKLEY CITY COUNCIL Thurston Brice
Sue Higgins surgical nurse, currently with Kaiser Antioch. I know how to work with a variety of people, often in challenging circumstances. I am a team player, and am willing to work together for the greater good. I am actively involved in the community through Relay For Life, Friends of Oakley and Operation Access. My crochet group donates gift items to local seniors each Christmas. I have reached the point in my life where I can be a voice not just a bystander
No Image Available Thurston Brice did not submit a candidate statement for publication.
I have been married for 27 years to Roy Higgins, and we have two children, Nate and Marisa. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Mankato with a Bachelor of Science degree in Corrections and Sociology. A native of Iowa, I relocated to Contra Costa County in 1987, and after living in four communities, I settled down in Oakley in 1999. I worked as a counselor at Drake House in Pleasant Hill from 1988 to 2000, where I supervised adolescent girls. I continued my education, graduating from Contra Costa Community College’s nursing program and since 2004, I have been an orthopedic
Vanessa Perry
Randy Pope
I am truly proud to call the Oakley my home, and I want to see our community continue to thrive. I have always had a passion for public service. This passion and interest led me to leave my career in the semiconductor industry to pursue a degree in political science. I graduated from San Jose State University with a focus in public policy and administration, and a minor in business. While attending SJSU, I was a public-policy intern at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits. I also interned at the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System, under the public information officer. I currently work in
accounting for a general contractor. I am a Bay Area native, who grew up in Hayward. My husband and I lived in San Jose for eight years before moving to Oakley. Moving here was one of the best decisions that we have made. I believe that my extensive experience in both the private and public sectors will be extremely valuable in helping me represent and understand the needs of Oakley citizens. I am very interested in stimulating business in both downtown and other areas of Oakley. I am also looking forward to furthering the community outreach that the city does, in order to get more residents involved in our community. I look forward to using my skills, experience and knowledge to help the City of Oakley continue to grow.
envision for Oakley can be accomplished within a single term. Many goals are of a long-term nature and will help shape our city for generations. I continue to be dedicated to keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe, and to protecting our loved ones and property. Crime reduction will remain as our top priority over the next four years. I will continue my efforts to bring business to Oakley and help our current businesses be successful. I want Oakley to be a place that our children can be safe growing up, and can be proud to live in. I’m a sergeant with the Oakland Police Department, with 22 years experience. I’m married with two sons and a daughter, ages 9, 6 and 3. We moved to Oakley years ago, because of its strong sense of community that promotes family values, the friendly hard-working people and affordable home prices. You elected me to the city council in 2010 and I’m currently serving as your mayor. I am very proud of my service. I stood up for what I believed was right, even when I stood alone. I believe the government works for, and is accountable to, you. I realize that not everything I
Note: Candidates were invited to submit a statement of up to 300 words. The statements have not been fact-checked but were edited for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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7B
OAKLEY UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT Kim Beede
My name is Kim Beede. I am a parent who has lived in the Oakley community since 1988. I am running for Oakley Unified School Board, and I am endorsed by the Oakley Union Teacher’s Association. My older sons, Justin, 27, and Travis, 25, attended Vintage Parkway, where I volunteered from 1992 through 1999. My younger two children, Frankie, 13, and Kendall, 12, attended Gehringer, where I was a volunteer from 2006 through 2013. In 2011, I became a PTA board member. In the two years I was on the board, we raised over $50,000 for the school and our teachers. Outside of
Mark Jordan
Arthur Fernandez the PTA, I was on a committee that raised $2,500 to have the school’s first-ever 5th grade party, where we had 98 percent participation from all 5th graders. The following year we continued that tradition. I have seen a lot over the last 22 years, and the demands on teachers are high. My husband, Frank, is a history teacher at Freedom High School. School districts are required by law to carry a 3 percent reserve, and yet our district currently is estimated to carry over 16.2 percent. The extra reserve we carry could be going into our children’s education. That means more teachers, reduced class sizes, computers to bridge the digital divide and supplies for our classrooms. Our teachers, who struggle every day to provide the best possible environment for our children, rank 14 out of 16 in salaries in Contra Costa County and have not seen an increase in pay in more than 7 years. I would like to make a difference. I look forward to serving the children of Oakley should I be elected, and I will work every day to create an environment which will help our children succeed in the 21st century.
My name is Arthur Fernandez. I am a school board member for the Oakley Union Elementary School District, and I am running for reelection. I have been on the OUESD Board since my appointment in 2011. I have a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco. I have worked for the Contra Costa County Probation Department for 15 years as an institutional supervisor at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility. In 2011, I was recognized by the Contra Costa County Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission and awarded the Juvenile Justice Award for outstanding service to youth.
Gloria Lott
No Image Available Mark Jordan did not submit a candidate statement for publication.
As a school board member, I am proud of my accomplishments. I established the Leer Para Crecer (Read to Grow) bilingual family literacy celebration. This event teaches families the importance of early childhood literacy skills. I have participated yearly in the O’Hara Park School annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and fundraiser. I trained Oakley teachers to combat gangs in our schools. As a Spanish speaker, I have translated for parents and worked with the schools ELAC groups. I presented assemblies honoring Cesar Chavez. I conducted preventative workshops with the districts most atrisk youth. For my efforts in 2013, I was awarded the LMC Cesar Chavez Award for exemplary community service. I have been an Oakley resident since 1996. I am married and have two children who attend Oakley Schools. My focus is on creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. This requires smaller classes, a rich curriculum and parent and teacher collaboration. I believe in community service, bilingual education and working with diverse populations. I am proud to say that the Oakley Union Teachers Association has endorsed me. On Nov. 4, please vote Arthur Fernandez for reelection to the OUESD Board. Gracias!
Being an Oakley Elementary School board member is not a job; it is a commitment. It is a commitment to helping provide the students of Oakley with the very best education possible, while remaining fiscally responsible to the community paying the bills. My own kids are products of an Oakley school education. Education is a key for opportunities and choices that our students need to have in order to compete in the rapidly changing world in which they will have to live. Oakley kids must be put first. During my tenure on the board, we experienced a very difficult finan-
cial period that affected all parts of our lives. Not only did we deal with those problems, but also the district was able to function with the bare minimum of layoffs and cuts. We were forced to work with, and live within, the budgets our citizens could afford. Now that school districts are getting more funds, we need to put it to good use. New education programs, facilities and technology must be planned for and put into place. We have to look for ways, including competitive benefits and wages, to attract the best teachers to our school district. As we all work together for our students, we can give the very best that our community can offer. Our kids deserve it.
Note: Candidates were invited to submit a statement of up to 300 words. The statements have not been fact-checked but were edited for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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OCTOBER 17, 2014
LIBERTY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Pauline Allred
Joanne Byer
No Image Available Pauline Allred did not submit a candidate statement for publication.
Since I was first elected to the board, I have watched our highschool district grow from a small, rural, school district of more than 8,000 students, three comprehensive high schools, one independent study high school and a continuation school. I am proud to say that all three comprehensive schools have been named a California Distinguished School in my time on the board, with Liberty and Heritage earning that honor twice. During the recent recession, we made tough spending decisions so that only two instructional days for our students were lost. We also made a commitment to our community to
Roy Ghiggeri
Daron Spears
I would like to begin by expressing my thanks to everyone for giving me the opportunity to serve on the L.U.H.S.D. governing board the last 4 years. I take this opportunity to ask for your vote in the upcoming November election, so that I can continue to advocate for school safety, school funding and to provide all students with the best educational opportunities. My experience as a teacher, coach and administrator in the L.U.H.S.D. for 36 years has allowed me to understand what is important to students, parents, staff and community members. Throughout my life, I have served and worked with
numerous committees and organizations in far East County. I have lived all my life in this area, and have been a partner in a local farming business. My children and I are proud graduates of Liberty High School. I served and led a number of school and parent committees, which helped in establishing Alternative Education and Community Center, and Freedom and Heritage High Schools in our district. We can all be proud of these new additions to our district. Due to my experience and local knowledge, I hope you will continue to have the confidence in voting for me Nov. 4. It would be an honor to serve you the next four years.
My name is Daron Spears and I am running for my second term on the Liberty Union High School District Board of Trustees. I am running for the board as a parent and local businessperson. I believe it is essential that these groups have representation on the board. In my current tenure, I have served as a trustee, clerk and currently as president of the board. There are a few items that I am particularly proud to have seen accomplished during my tenure. First, we have a “no out-of-pocket” solarenergy-producing project completed and working on all the comprehensive sites. The current savings are being felt
continue providing an adult education program. Additionally, in the last four years, we approved a Purchase-Power Agreement that brought renewable energy to the LUHSD at no cost to taxpayers. This past year, our board approved our first Local Control Accountability Plan. Because of our dedication to listen to community input, that plan was approved with little, if any, concern. In the coming months, I look forward to the implementation of a new network infrastructure that will allow our teachers to prepare our students for the 21st century. As our community begins a resurgence of growth, I believe that it is important to have someone on the board who has my experience providing the secondary educational needs of our students through these periods of housing increases.
and are projected to be several million dollars in the future. Second, we maintain a very focused approach to campus safety. The alliances between campus sites, civic groups, community and diversity representatives, city leadership, school staff (teachers, administration), law enforcement, parents and the school board are impressive and effective. Our schools are safe today and everyone is working to maintain that. Our students are given opportunities in our schools that many other surrounding districts have discontinued. Our students deserve them and I strive to keep offering them and pushing to offer more. Our students are being challenged and prepared well for the next step after high school. It is my wish that all choose higher education of some form at some point. My role is to set the objectives at the board level, so every student is prepared for that. Finally, the work of a school board of trustees is interesting. In many communities, it is the first step in political aspirations beyond schools. That is not my goal. I believe all the candidates running are good people trying to serve for the right reasons, and I wish all of them the best of luck.
Note: Candidates were invited to submit a statement of up to 300 words. The statements have not been fact-checked but were edited for spelling, punctuation and grammar.