Candidate for
Board Member; Temecula Valley Unified School District

The District's reputation in the surrounding community is positive in spite of the strife created by recent negotiations. We have a good school district with an outstanding record of student performance. Even so, steps have already been taken to strengthen our image. It is my belief that we have selected the right woman in Dr. Leighty to lead this District as Superintendent. Her skills and experience as an educational leader are enhanced by her ability to motivate and encourage team-building. She is the right leader at the right time to re-establish trust and mutual respect.

As an individual, I need to model what I expect from others. I will make my decisions by being open, listening, gathering facts, reviewing options and asking questions about how the decision will affect students, parents, staff and the community. I promise to carry out my duties as trustee with the highest level of integrity and honesty.

In spite of program cuts due to financial constraints, we are still the highest performing district in the County. Nevertheless, we can do more to meet the needs of parents and their children. Dr. Leighty and the Board have begun the first steps of a collaborative process that will establish a long term strategic plan to take our district from "Good to Great".

Hopefully, we will see funding for arts and music beginning at the elementary level. We have needs for site supplies, library books, GATE programs, counselors and classroom aides. The list goes on and on.

As a part of the strategic plan, we will together prioritize available funding to meet agreed upon goals. Additionally, we will work on supplemental funding through increased grant applications and continuing our partnering efforts with the local business community, City of Temecula and County of Riverside.

I have a Judeo-Christian worldview and I believe in parental involvement with teachers, administrators and the School Board. Parents have the right to expect that we will stand firm for the values and faith they have instilled in their children. We will also have no tolerance for gangs, drugs or weapons at school.