Candidate for School Board

By Jeff McKay

Basic information regarding Jeff McKay

I am a candidate for the Stanislaus Union School Board because I feel that I can make a difference in our educational system. School funding is drastically down. Our school district has been hit hard by these reductions. Many difficult decisions have been made and many more will be needed in the future. It is imperative that board members think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to deal with the economic crisis that we are in. I can help the board be creative and offer new ideas.

Community Leader and Volunteer

Contributing to my community has always been very important to me. In the past, I have served on the Ceres City Council for 10 years, served as chairman of the Stanislaus Local Area Formation Committee (LAFCO), and served on numerous boards and committees including the Library committee, Stanislaus County Solid Waste Committee, and served as President of the California League of Cities for our county along with many other local boards. I am a past member of The Rotary Club and a current member of the Lions Club.

Successful Businessman

Having my own business here in Modesto since 1984, the school board could use a business mind during these tough economic times. It is important to have someone on the board with a well-rounded resume of community and business experience and I am that person. I employ ten people locally and understand what it takes to balance a budget. Currently, I run November Whiskey Management Group, a management and service firm offering services to the telecommunications and small business association industries and Pacific Communications, an ATM equipment vending company.

Stanislaus Union School District

We have a strong school district with a mission to support our students, teachers and staff. We are in a very difficult time as a community and a country. I believe that to date, the school board and administration have done a good job working with the resources they have been left with and I wish to help them continue to make the right choices. I'm excited to offer my work experience and talents to help our schools adequately plan for the challenges of future growth within the district's limited funding sources. All children should receive the best education possible. If elected I will work diligently to ensure just that. My broad experience in twelve years of public service has given me the skills necessary to effectively handle all of the challenges facing our district. I have received numerous team achievement and leadership awards in my career, and have experience in interest-based bargaining on both the management and labor sides of the table. Today's economic climate of decreasing revenues presents new and complex challenges to our district. We must work hard to continue to progress our educational programs, while controlling other costs.

Both my wife and I were born and raised in Stanislaus County and we have two daughters who attend Stanislaus Union schools. I would like the opportunity to work with the school board with your help. I will listen, analyze, and make informed decisions with the best interests of the students, parents and the taxpayers in mind. I am asking for your help, your support, your endorsement and most important your vote on November 8, 2011.

Thank you,

Jeff McKay