Candidate for
Board Member; West Sonoma County Union High School District

I have been an educator for twenty-one years; at every level from pre-school through college. I have a good idea of what students need to succeed and I consider myself an advocate for effective educational policy. Exactly what is meant by "effective educational policy" is the $64,000 question...

My priority is to help develop and enforce policies that facilitate educational excellence in fundamental academic skills which students need to be successful members of the greater community. However, fundamentals, as currently defined, are not enough. I am committed to the arts; music, theatre, dance, visual, etc. The arts are essential to society as a whole and schools must keep this in mind when making policy.

Not only are the arts a backbone of an enlightened society, they are a place where students find membership. This is crucial now more than ever. With the economics of society forcing families to hold multiple jobs the options for young people to feel included needs to include theatre clubs, chorus, band, dance, etc.

This sense of inclusion can help steer students in a positive direction and away from becoming alienated and involved in delinquent behavior.

The public school system is an important part of the bedrock on which our democracy stands. It is my hope that we continue to support public education and recognize that our students are also our citizenry. Our ability to preare them during their school years determine, in large part, the fabric of our society.