By Andrew "Andy" Ratermann

As your School Board Trustee, I have worked to ensure that all our students receive a superior education. In spite of severe funding cuts, and thanks to our dedicated employees, we continue to provide the quality education our students deserve.

During my term on the board, I worked hard to preserve our elementary music program, to preserve class size reduction, to keep budget cuts away from the classrooms and to ensure that our classes maintain the rigor needed to succeed in today's competitive environment. For struggling students we opened the new Gateway School for high school students and the middle school Opportunity Program. This year we introduce Project Cornerstone. A remarkable new program that identifies the personal assets one needs to succeed in life.

Perhaps most important was the adoption of a strategic plan. We created a task force comprised of key leaders from the schools, the district administration, teachers, industry, government and community groups. We developed a comprehensive strategic plan for the next three years.

The plan has five goals.

• Narrow the achievement gaps while raising the bar
• Enhance financial stability
• Attract, develop and retain quality staff
• Educate the whole learner academically, emotionally, socially, culturally, and vocationally.
• Increase parental and community involvement and support

Our students will compete in a global economy. Excellence in math, science and language skills is imperative to success. We must not forsake our arts in the quest for high standards. They are the engine of creativity. Our schools have robust music, theater and art programs. These are essential to a well-rounded education.

Prior to serving on the school board, I served as president of the PTA and site council chairperson for Westwood Elementary school. I volenteered and give my time to our schools for the last 10 years. I served on various school district committees and task forces.

I was fortunate to retire at the age of 42 thanks to several successful businesses I owned and operated. For the last 10 years, I have been working to give back to the community through volunteer work. I believe in the potential of our youth. Because of this I stay involved in youth oriented groups in our community, serving as president of the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association and District Chairperson for the Boy Scouts of America.

Please vote for me on November 7 so I can continue to serve our children and our community.

Thank you.

Andy Ratermann