Candidate for
Board Member; Palo Alto Unified School District

Our community shares a vision for Palo Alto schools where all children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We have excellent schools in Palo Alto, but like any institution there is still work to be done. I am running for School Board in order to make progress in some key areas:

Achievement for all students: We need to meet every child where he or she is, and give them opportunities to stretch as far as they can. I believe that we can raise the floor substantially for struggling students while continuing to ensure that there is no ceiling for advanced students. We can also enable our students to grow as thinkers, artists, athletes and citizens.

Improved student health: We know from our own experience and from academic research that well-rested, happy students are stronger learners. I will continue the work that I have already started to increase student health and achievement, and to prepare students for a 21st century economy in which working well in teams and with co-workers from diverse backgrounds are keys to success.

A culture of innovation: Silicon Valley teaches us that high-functioning organizations rely on data to drive decision-making and identify and implement best practices. We can have a school district that is a strong learning organization, linked to centers of innovation in our community such as Stanford and our high-tech firms.

Transparency and accountability in governance: I will work to open up decision-making to public view through transparent communications and metrics that allow the public to judge the work of the School Board and the district. A more open and public process will pay dividends as we tackle together the hard problems of managing budget uncertainty, planning for enrollment growth and stewarding our physical assets.

Effective planning for the future: I will work to preserve neighborhood schools and effectively manage our resources (including Cubberley) during a time of change in both enrollment and financial resources. This will require a stronger planning capability within PAUSD, and more effective relationships with partners like the City of Palo Alto.