Political Philosophy for Marla Wolkowitz

Candidate for
Board of Education Member; Culver City Unified School District

On November 2nd you will have the opportunity to vote for two people who will represent your interests on the Culver City Board of Education. Your vote will determine the direction of our school district for the next four years. I want to explain why I am a candidate for one of those seats.

My husband Ed and I are the parents of Jarrod (20), Michael (18) and Lee (13). All three have attended Culver City schools and done well. My passion for volunteering for our school district began more than 16 years ago. I have been extensively involved as a volunteer on behalf of the children of Culver City through my active participation with the Culver City Education Foundation, PTA, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. I have also served on numerous school district committees that have educated me about the district's unmet needs and how these needs can be realized.

I believe strongly that it is important to reduce class sizes, offer educational guidance counseling to all students, encourage relevant teacher training programs, expand after school enrichment opportunities, and create a better environment to increase home-school cooperation. Each of these goals is attainable and would positively affect test scores and foster a closer relationship between the school district and families served by the district.

I am qualified to represent you as a Board of Education member because I: o understand the interests of parents o am willing to actively listen to your ideas and concerns o am in contact with the people of Culver City and our local legislators o bring the experience of working with and for large organizations o am committed to making sure that my time as a school board member is based on
preparation, study of the issues, and thoughtful decision-making

I have the energy and disposition to put in a full-time effort to represent our community in this important position. The policies enacted by the school board will affect the educational process for a number of years. I believe that decisions must be made with forward-thinking vision, not just what sounds good today. Policies must also make sense, be relevant and followed through with meaningful results that can be measured.

My leadership style of asking questions and listening to others will lead to achieving overall successes for our students. Achievement is what our schools are supposed to be all about, learning the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics above all else.

If you share my belief in the importance of public education in our community, I need your help during the campaign and your vote on November 2nd.