As a parent of two sons in Berkeley schools, I see the promise of what the BUSD can be – a model urban district that uses all of our community’s resources to provide our children with the opportunity and support to do their personal best and prepare them for the challenges of our 21st Century world – academically strong and ready to thrive. And, as a senior manager in local government, I have the skills and experience necessary to bring about this vision. If elected, I will work with our school communities to develop a district-wide student achievement plan that sets priorities, and determines core programs, so that all of our students are challenged and empowered to do their best – whether they are struggling to succeed, at grade level, or academically gifted. I will apply my knowledge of organizational development, public financing and budgeting to ensure that the student achievement plan is tied to a sound fiscal plan – a plan that includes partnerships with government, private foundations, the university and community colleges, local businesses, and non-profit/community groups. And, I will facilitate an open and inclusive District by institutionalizing community involvement in advisory and oversight committees, developing a user-friendly District budget, and stressing two-way communication with the community about District finances, educational priorities and safety/discipline.
I pledge to work with all of Berkeley’s various communities to build upon what is working in the Berkeley public schools, identify what is not working, and work to change it. I strongly believe that family-school partnerships and community involvement in addition to well-trained teachers are key to our children’s academic success. By harnessing Berkeley’s vast and varied intellectual and community resources, we can set a model for the nation in how every student can be challenged, motivated, and supported to do their personal best. _____________________________________________________
Experience
●Co-President, Berkeley High PTSA (2005-2006)
● Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (school tax measure). Planning & Oversight Committee (1996-1998).
●Representative, Berkeley Unified School District Advisory Committee (DAC) (2003-2004).
●President/Member, School Site Council, Washington Elementary School (1998-2004).
●Member, School Governance Council and Extended Day Program Committee, Longfellow Middle School (2002-2004).
●Assistant to the Emeryville City Manager/Former Environmental Programs Manager.
Education: A.B. Brown University in Asian Studies; Master’s Degree in Political Science/Public Administration, U.C. Berkeley.
Preliminary List of Endorsers (individual affiliations listed for identification purposes only): Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Mayor Tom Bates; Council Members Anderson, Capitelli, Maio, Moore, Spring, Worthington, and Wozniak; Former Councilmembers Maudelle Shirek and Ann Chandler; Supervisor Keith Carson; School Board Member Terry Doran; Former School Board Members Pamela Doolan and Miriam Rokeach Topel; Alameda County Superintendent Sheila Jordan; Peralta Community College Trustee Nicky Gonzales-Yuen; Dan Lindheim, President: BSEP Planning and Oversight Committee Community Members: Janet Huseby, Jessica Seaton, Royce Kelley, Carol Lashof, Michael Miller, Irma Parker, Father George Crespin. Organizations: Berkeley Federation of Teachers, Alameda County Democratic Party; Green Party of Alameda County; Berkeley Democratic Club; John George Democratic Club; Wellstone Democratic Club; National Women’s Political Caucus: North Alameda; Alameda County Central Labor Council.