Letter to Culver City community

By Jessica Beagles-Roos

Letter presenting background as a board member

I am running for a second term on the CCUSD Board of Education because my commitment to public education remains unwavering. I started as a volunteer 15 years ago and continue to work for our public schools. To be honest, I find it difficult to promote myself due to my focus on students and my strong belief in teamwork. In fact, teamwork was one of my campaign themes four years ago and I am gratified that there are more district-level teams today.

Over the last four years, I 've had experience working on the school board to make difficult decisions, including three rounds of painful budget cutting. I have been able to "sell" my goals, interests and knowledge to my colleagues in order to influence district programs and policies (I've included some examples in next 2 paragraphs). And I've "gone back to school" for training provided by the California School Board Association including the two-year Masters in Governance program. The steep learning curve is over. I am ready for a productive second term.

Experience as a parent at elementary, middle and high school levels has provided a crucial perspective. I maintain my interest in the elementary schools even though my sons are older. For example, four years ago I campaigned to reintroduce PE teachers at the elementary level. Now the district has credentialed PE teachers and a new PE curriculum. As a board member and a member of the District Community Arts Team, I have supported arts education district-wide and an elementary-level visual arts program will be introduced this year. I remain sensitive to the importance and challenges of middle school after serving on the restructuring task force and as PTA president. And at the other end, experience as a high school parent has been beneficial because some board decisions concern only the high school, such as revising the high school graduation requirements and adding new AP, career, and language courses.

Parent/guardian involvement from the classroom to the district level is essential for the success of students. I support the inclusion of parents on district-level advisory committees or teams so that their perspective is considered. I support school-based volunteer efforts and organizations. I strive to treat them equitably with reasonable district guidelines, points I have made at recent board meetings. In addition, I have been a trustee for the Culver City Education Foundation for over a decade.

As a parent and classroom volunteer I experienced first-hand the importance of teachers and school staff. They play a vital role in the education of students as well as the daily lives of students and their families. They provide the foundation for student learning and outstanding schools.

These are some of the reasons I am qualified to represent you on the CCUSD Board of Education. As a board member I welcome communication from students, staff, teachers, parents and community members. I hope you will support my re-election and vote for me in November.

Sincerely, Jessica Beagles-Roos