Looking Back

By Peggy Buckles

Four years of accomplishments.

I am proud and excited to have had a hand in decisions that have kept the district with some of the lowest class sizes and highest test scores in the county. I have always placed the needs of students first. We have regretfully eliminated teacher, administrator and classified employee positions because of the budget crisis but have tried diligently to keep the cuts away from the classroom. This will be more and more difficult in the next few years but it is vital to the future of our state and nation. We will continue to need well educated employees and the only way to do that is to focus on education. This must be a priority not only for our board, but also for our legislators and the governor. I will continue to advocate for education at the state and national level. This board has worked well together and has been supportive of parent and teacher ideas for change. I would hope that Betsy Connolly and I have the opportunity to continue on the board so we can keep working to improve the district. When Manzanita's principal and parents came forward with the idea for the EARTHS magnet, we were delighted to have them implement their idea. We encouraged Sequoia to add the Discovery Academy at the middle school level to extend the science based experience through 8th grade. We were also able to support the beginnings of Century Academy for independent study and are hoping to expand this educational opportunity as more people hear about it. Not every child learns in the same way or does well at our traditional high schools and we must nurture these students as well so that all of them become productive members of society. The preschools at University are another example of an exciting idea brought to fruition in my term on the board. It has been amazing to have Wonder preschool, Neighborhood For Learning preschool and the special education preschool along with the special services all on one site. Students who need therapy can be pulled out of class to receive services and parents don't need to take them to outside appointments. This has been an enriching experience for all of the students. I have listened to parents and will continue to do so. I regularly attend our District Advisory Committee meetings, Conejo Council PTA meetings and am available on the phone and through email. I will continue to listen over the next four years. I will give thoughtful consideration to all points of view. We have and will continue to have budget constraints but that does not mean we can't work toward improving our children's education. It has been a privilege to serve on the board of education and I would be honored to have your vote.