Candidate for
Superintendent of School District; County of San Mateo

A vigorous democracy and a vibrant economy require strong public schools. All our children should have access to the opportunities excellent schools provide.

In my second term as San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools I will continue to work to ensure the San Mateo County Office of Education provides timely and helpful support to local school districts. I will focus on:

• Closing the achievement gap

• Expanding access to quality preschool

• Preparing all students for success in the 21st Century

My seventeen years as a superintendent have given me an appreciation for the challenges facing San Mateo County's local school districts as well as an awareness of the importance of relationship-building to meet those challenges. I am eager to continue working together with the San Mateo County Board of Education, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, our local school officials, community leaders, and staff to ensure San Mateo County schools successfully educate all our students for the 21st Century.

When I ran for office in 2010, my priorities included closing the Achievement Gap, expanding quality preschool opportunities, and transforming our schools to produce graduates who are well-prepared for 21st Century challenges.

Much has been accomplished. Working together with the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council, I have helped launch the Big Lift which is an initiative for ensuring all students read proficiently. The Big Lift is focusing on four key areas: universal preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, inspiring summers, parent and family engagement, and school attendance. The Big Lift is hard-at-work developing a universal preschool plan for San Mateo County and, thanks to the Board of Supervisors through the allocation of Measure A funds, resources are now available to expand access to quality preschool.

I am also working to meet the needs of today's students by leading an effort to help schools gain the robust internet connectivity, network infrastructure and devices needed for classrooms to be ready for teaching and learning in the Digital Age. In partnership with the Full Circle Fund, the San Mateo County Office of Education is developing the iZone - an initiative focusing on developing 21st century classrooms for 21st century students.

While much has been accomplished, much remains to be done. The Achievement Gap persists. We must eliminate it. Schools need enhanced technology. We must transform classrooms and teaching for the Digital Age. Our children need the best start possible. We must provide every child access to quality preschool.

I ask for your support in continuing this work. Please re-elect me as San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.