Candidate for
Board Member; Kern High School District

I feel I am particularly well-qualified to serve on the Kern High School Board of Trustees by the broad range of perspectives and experiences I would bring to the position by my thirty years working in education; having financial knowledge as a small business owner; serving in a number of leadership positions in community volunteer organizations where I learned important skills including advocacy, team building, public relations and goal setting-all important to a Trustee member; and as a parent. I would not represent any special interest group or have any hidden agenda other than an earnest desire to see that each student is motivated to do his or her best and to value high school education not as an end, but as a beginning to their future success. I would like to help ensure that each student receives the best possible comprehensive education relative to his or her own needs and abilities.

I was born and raised in Bakersfield, graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1966; and in 1970 from California State University Long Beach in secondary education with a degree in English. I have been married for thirty years to my husband, Gary, and we are very proud of our son, Adam, who graduated as the Student Body President and Most Outstanding Graduate from Garces in 1992 and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1997, with a degree in Ag-Business. He farms with his father in the Mettler area.

Although I have never taught full time, I substitute taught most of the time between 1971 and 1995, including many long term positions and in a number of feeder districts into Kern High School District, and for Kern High School District for a number of those years. My experience in the classroom gave me a clear understanding of the diversities, varying environments from which our students come as well as the great range of abilities and motivation for learning they have. I know the challenges faced by teachers and hard work most of them do to try to meet all their students' needs.

In addition to my teaching experience and work as a small business owner; and years while our son was in school participating in school site , parent clubs; and president of St. Francis School Board school board I have participated in many leadership positions in a variety of community service organizations. I presently serve as a Director for the Bakersfield Californian Foundation and for tne Bakersfield Museum of Artas well as a grantwriter for The Jr. League Community Center. I was a Co-founder and Executive Board member of the Bakersfield Women's Business Conference; served on the Education and Public Awareness Committees for the 88-89 Grand Jury; a member of the 92-93 Leadership Bakersfield; Community Vice President and President of Jr. League of Bakersfield ,whose "purpose is exclusively educational and charitable."

Like all of us I am very concerned about the education of our students-students who will grow up to be the employees, employers and parents in our communities. I would like to help by utilizing my experience and skills in the classroom, as a parent, business person, and community leader to serve on the Kern High School Board of Trustees.