John Cruger-Hansen for West Contra Costa Unified School District School Board

By John P. Cruger-Hansen

For the past 11 years, I have been involved as a volunteer in the district. During that time I have advocated that parents, students, and teachers work together as a team, with our community, to achieve success. It is a combination of teamwork and partnership that is needed in all our schools for our children to receive the best possible education.

I am a district parent with three children attending 8th, 9th, and 12th grades in district neighborhood schools. My wife is a 4th grade teacher in the district and I have "first hand" knowledge about our schools. I work well with District Staff as well as parent groups and PTA's. I believe I can make a much-needed difference on the school board, bringing with me fresh ideas and experiences. As a board member I will show respect for everyone; teachers, administrators, support staff, community members, parents, students and fellow board members.

As a board member I will work to:

• Further encourage community involvement and support by businesses and families
• Give principals authority to use a portion of their maintenance budget to make minor repairs quickly
• Continue the implementation of the middle school task force recommendations
• Promote School-to-Work/Career/Life Skills
• Improve communications with district staff and parents/guardians
• Improve the quality of board meetings - have board become more efficient, bring stability to meetings, and get district business done in a timely manner
• Promote civility at board meetings

I have taught Drug and Alcohol Prevention at Madera Elementary School and I am a Youth Educator Program co-trainer with my wife at El Cerrito High School. I am personally involved with the schools.

I have gardened at Madera, painted at El Cerrito High, installed Internet at Mira Vista, helped with repairs at Portola Middle and been counselor at 5th grade camp. I have volunteered extensively at Madera, Mira Vista, Portola and El Cerrito High. I have also been at many other district schools and I recognize the state of disrepair of many of our schools. I know how to get things fixed and I know how to cut through the "red tape."

I was a Local 1 member for over 6 years while working for the City of Berkeley and my wife is a UTR member.

My career includes experiences and skills that will enhance my performance as a board member. I have 25 years experience as division manager in both public and private sectors and I served on a state commission for 4 years, appointed by former Governor Brown. I know how government agencies function and how to bring together diverse constituencies. I immigrated to the United States from Denmark when I was 24 and understand the cultural challenges some families have. English is a "second" language for me.

I know we can overcome our challenges by working together for a common goal. I have the energy and spirit to continue to work hard for our children, teachers, support staff and administrators.

I offer COMMITMENT, STABILITY and STRENGTH.

You may ask, "why should I vote for John Cruger-Hansen." Ask this question of all the candidates: "What have you done within the WCCUSD schools that shows your commitment and gives you the insight needed to serve on the board"? Then make your decision based on the answers.

John Cruger-Hansen's WCCUSD involvement:

1995 - 1997 Member of WCCUSD Ad Hoc Study Committee on Middle Schools. Attended more than 20 committee meetings over two years. Recommended re-establishing 6th period and building middle school in Richmond.

1996 Member of the WCCUSD School Boundaries Committee. Made recommendation for the "Neighborhood School" concept.

1998 - present Member of the WCCUSD Citizens Advisory Commission on School Facilities. Advised on selection of Richmond Middle School Architecht and school layout.

1994 - present Youth Educator Program co-facilitator/trainer with wife for El Cerrito High School Youth Educator Program. Training Juniors and Seniors to go to Portola Middle School and teach a Drug and Alcohol Prevention program. Received the "People who make a difference" award by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors and the Substance Abuse Advisory Board.

1989 - 1994 Parent Educator Program. Taught Drug/Peer Pressure Awareness program in 5th grades at Madera Elementary School.

1993 -1995 Chair, Madera Elementary School Direct Appeal Fundraiser.

1995 - 1996 Treasurer, Madera Elementary School 5th Grade Camp.

1995 - present Portola Middle School PTA Treasurer.

1995 - 1997 Chair, Portola Middle School Direct Appeal Fundraiser.

1997 Volunteered at Madera Elementary School for 5 days before school started, making repairs to and cleaning classrooms. Washed windows inside and out in all 12 classrooms.

1997 Took on Portola Middle PTA Membership task when nobody volunteered to do membership.

1998 Volunteered helping paint El Cerrito High School.

1998 Volunteered at Mira Vista Elementary School, painting walls and ceiling in a classroom, installed wiring for the internet in 5 classrooms and connected one classroom to the internet.

1999 Volunteered at Portola Middle School, assisting with several projects, including painting the Band Room.

2000 Volunteer at Mira Vista Elementary School, teaching Jr. Achievement in 4th Grade.

1999 Volunteered at Portola Middle School setting up a computer in the 6th Grade History Classroom.

Parents and Community for John Cruger-Hansen, 8426 Bel View Court, El Cerrito, CA 94530 Telephone: 510-232-6998, Debbie Cruger-Hansen, Treasurer, ID: 991211