Candidate for
Board Member; Marin Community College District

Dear Marin County Voters,

On November 3rd, voters across Marin County will decide who will serve on the Board for the next four years. This election comes at a time of tremendous growth for the College, when it is most in need of experienced leadership.

College of Marin is experiencing double-digit enrollment increases, which is very positive. However, with increasing student demands, the Board must be strategic in allocating finite resources. My record demonstrates that I won't shy away from making difficult decisions in the District's best interest and that I can respond to the changing needs of College of Marin students.

With another term as your Trustee, I pledge to address the following four areas:

Investing in Quality Infrastructure

• I served as the co-chair of the successful 2004 Measure C bond campaign, which brought in $249.5 million to update, modernize and retrofit the Marin Community College District facilities. Last month, because of the bond funds, College of Marin broke ground for its state of the art Science, Math and Central Plant Complex. This month, a ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the completion of the Diamond Physical Education Center modernization project and photovoltaic system at the Kentfield Campus. As your Trustee, I will ensure that the projects you approved in 2004 go forward in the manner that the voters intended.

• In collaboration with the Conservation Corps of the North Bay and UC Extension, College of Marin has established a new Center for Sustainable Horticulture at its Indian Valley campus. This program is designed to develop a skilled entrepreneurial workforce in the emerging fields of organic agriculture and sustainable local foods. I am committed to expanding these innovative programs and partnerships with UC, CSU and other education affiliates.

• With a rising number of students enrolling at College of Marin, I believe the college must meet the students' need for more flexible course schedules and for innovative new programs to help students succeed in today's world.

• I have also advocated for an increase in the college's marketing budget to expand outreach and to attract both local high school students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution and those seeking vocational or technical certificates.

• College of Marin is not immune from the budget challenges facing the rest of California. With enrollment rising by double-digits and major expansion projects underway, I have continually worked to ensure that the Board tightly manages its resources, reduces waste, and maintains vigilant oversight of bond and tax dollar spending.

• As a Trustee, I have led the Board to recognize the critical importance of prioritizing fund development so that College of Marin can be competitive in aggressively pursuing private donor opportunities and foundation grants to support additional capital projects as well as to enhance program funding. I believe the Board must work together to raise funds for the college and to ensure that the necessary funds to support such an effort are included in the budget.

• I have served on the Board of the Marin Education Fund for the past eight years and am currently serving as the Board Chair. I believe that it is critical for College of Marin to collaborate with the College of Marin Foundation and the Marin Education Fund to expand opportunities for all students to succeed. During the time I served on Marin Education Fund board, over $16 million in grants were awarded to more than 4,000 low-income students in Marin County. More than 70% of the participating students are the first in their family to attend college and 55% are students of color. I am committed to ensure that the College remains an affordable place for our students to achieve their educational goals.

I respectfully ask for your vote on November 3rd,

WANDEN P. TREANOR, Trustee, Marin Community College District