I was elected to the Cotati- Rohnert Park School Board in 1990 during a devisive time in the District's history. There was a recall movement underway, the Superintendent resigned, a Bond/Parcel Tax had just been passed and three new Board members were elected. Twenty years later there were millions in reserve, schools had been improved, and some were created from the ground up. I was the Board Representative for the Technology High School Partnership at Sonoma State University working over thirty six months to open the award winning school. I was elected and served five terms as a School Board Member. During that time I earned a Master's of Boardsmanship Award and a Master's of Governance Award from the Califonria School Board's Association; this involved over a hundred and forty hours of classroom professional training. I attended local, state and national conferences. I have the experience and training to serve the West County where I purchased a home for my late mother in 2011. Please allow me to serve our communities and provide stewardship and public access to our most important endeavor our future generations. I have experience as a trained School Board Member elected to five full terms and as a High School Teacher in WSCUHSD
Board Member — West Sonoma County Union High School District
Candidates
Diane Landry
- Support 21st Century learning skills and teaching...
- Ensure equity for all of our students
- Promote the social and emotional well-being of students...
Ted Walker
- Provide a robust curriculum for all students so that...
- Complete the proposed Forestville Charter Middle School...
- Maintain a balances budget, complete modernisation...
Jeanne Bassett Fernandes
- We must provided for all students in all areas of...
- Manage and sustain a comprehensive budget for the...
- Provide safe, diverse and healthy learning environments...
Eric Kirchmann
- Maintain Academic Excellence
- Enhance ROP, FFA, Community Involvement, Internships...
- Manage and sustain district finances and create financial...
My Top 3 Priorities
- Support 21st Century learning skills and teaching methods in our classes
- Ensure equity for all of our students
- Promote the social and emotional well-being of students and staff
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Who supports this candidate?
Featured Endorsements
- Dana Pedersen, school administration
- Keller McDonald, retired superintendent, West Sonoma County Union High School District Superintendent
- Frank Anderson, retired principal, El Molino High School
Organizations (2)
- Sonoma County Democratic Party
- Sonoma County Conservation Action
Elected Officials (2)
- Kellie Noe, Board Trustee and Current President, West Sonoma County Union High School District
- Lori Bruhner, Board Trustee, West Sonoma County Union High School District
Individuals (16)
- Chris Stribling, Feldenkrais practitioner
- Sandy Reynolds, retired teacher and counselor, Laguna High School
- Dana Pedersen, school administrator
- Linda Hauser, ESL teacher, Santa Rosa Junior College
- Larry Woods, retired civil engineer
- Herman J. Hernandez, realtor and community leader
- Aaron Maher, 2013 Analy graduate
- Michael Nicholls, board member, West County Community Services and Foundation Chair, Russian River Rotary
- Sandra Stribling, accounting manager
- Hans Bruhner, mortgage broker
- Elaine Huth, attorney
- Donna Roper, member, Russian River Rotary and community volunteer
- Mary Fricker, retired journalist
- Lynn Stewart, retired teacher, El Molino High School and Analy High School
- William Olzman, teacher, El Molino High School
- Alex Kiefer, 2008 El Molino graduate, Sergeant U. S. Air Force
Questions & Answers
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (1)
Communication is the foundation for the relationship between the board and community. The ideas and opinions of the community are gathered at specific meetings with parents, community groups and staff. Local priorities are an important part of the process. Although there are opportunities for these groups to share at board meetings, I would like to hear the community’s ideas and opinions on a regular basis by setting aside a portion of each board meeting for public input on our LCFF and LCAP.
We discuss specific measurable outcomes and the results of California’s assessment of students at board meetings. I would also like to contribute to a column in the local newspapers, alternating with trustees from other west county schools, to share stories of students and programs that showcase our outcomes.
My Top 3 Priorities
- Provide a robust curriculum for all students so that they graduate college and career ready. I want our students to graduate with the skills to succeed in life, whever the land - California, the U.S. or internationally.
- Complete the proposed Forestville Charter Middle School this year for grades 7 and 8. Provide oversight and leadership during this process.
- Maintain a balances budget, complete modernisation projects, design and build a Performing Arts Building on the high school campus.
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Who supports this candidate?
Organizations (2)
- Sonoma County Democratic Party
- Sonoma County Conservation Action
Elected Officials (2)
- Lorie Bruhner, Trustee, West Sonoma County Union High School District
- Kellie Noe, President of West Sonoma County Union High School District
Individuals (19)
- Teresa and Darrel Ramondo, Community Volunteers
- Mary Fitch and Carl Michelsen, Teacher, Community Volunteers, Geologist
- John Henel and Julie Smith, Community Volunteers
- John and Teri Balletto, Community Volunteers and Grape Grower
- Dianna Rich, Community Volunteer
- Dave and Sandy Jones, Contractor and Community Volunters
- Chip and Loretta Castleberry, Former Teachers, Community Volunteers
- Mary Fricker, El Molino High School Volunteer
- Marty Webb, Former Principal, Analy High School
- Frank Anderson, Former Principal, El Molino High School
- Joe and Linda Maloney, Teacher and Community Volunteers
- Charlie and Chris Judson, Community Volunteers
- Stan Devoto and Maryvonne Burke, Farmers and Community Volunteers
- Ann Harris, Realtor and Community Volunteer
- Ward and Chris Thompson, Business Owners
- Claire and Ron Hartman, Parent, City Planner, and Community Volunter
- Doug and Pat Peters, Business Owners and Community Volunteers
- DeWayne Drew, Contractor and Community Volunteer
- Alan and Victoria Klotz, Community Volunteer and Pharmacist
Questions & Answers
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (1)
As a trustee, provide community outreach to the public, stakeholders, students and educational service groups to develop the Local Control Acoountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP will be the model on how the district will allocate funds for programs for student achievement thoughout the year. The LCAP includes measurable outcomes each year for the students, especially low economically disadvantaged and emglish learner students.
This process takes place throught the year in public forums and workshops. And concludes with the final adoption of the district budget.
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- We must provided for all students in all areas of the learning spectrum. I am most concerned about those in the middle; the ones that just get by. We need a Vocational/Work Study Program/Interships to help them find their place in the world.
- Manage and sustain a comprehensive budget for the district. Provide budget sessions for all stake holders to have a better understanding of classroom, department and staffing budgets. Where does our money go?
- Provide safe, diverse and healthy learning environments at all of our schools. We need to make certain that bullying is not allowed in any form. If it does takes place, it must be dealt with swiftly and firmly.
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Who supports this candidate?
Featured Endorsements
- Wayne Hunnicutt - Former Trustee
- Betsy Amirkhan - Teacher
- Keller McDonald, Former Superintendent WSCUHSD
Organizations (1)
- Evolve
Elected Officials (3)
- Gabe Kearney, Petaluma City Council Member
- Robbie Woosley, Trustee-Elect Oak Grove School District
- David Stecher - Trustee - WSCUHSD
Individuals (18)
- Laura Lapera
- Neysa-candidate for Seb. City Council
- Tim Sargent- teacher
- Kristyn Appleby
- Buzzy Martin - Author/Muscian
- Nancy Scott Hunnicutt
- Joe and Nicole Ellwood - Teachers
- Paul Goodin - Police Officer
- Sarah Goodin - Teacher
- Bob Cullinen and Tommi Smith - Teachers
- Darrell and Teresa Ramondo
- Joseph Heil - Former Teacher
- Chris Heller - Former Principal
- Martin Webb - former Principal
- Judi Goodin - RN/Safety Professional
- Dan Davis - Sebastopol Business Man & Community Volunteer
- Linda Tighe Helton - Teacher
- Lorretta and Chip Castleberry - Former Teachers
Questions & Answers
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (1)
As a District we should reach out via public forums and workshops to all stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, Administrative Staff and the general public to gather ideas for a the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). I would recommend a smaller working group, appointed by the board, with representation of each stakeholder group, chaired by the Superintendent, would work on an LCAP. The plan of course would also need to include measurable outcomes for all students, of all abilities. The LCAP would then provide the mechanism for how the district allocates funds for programs thoughout the year. It culminates with the adoption of the final district budget.
Candidate Contact Info
My Top 3 Priorities
- Maintain Academic Excellence
- Enhance ROP, FFA, Community Involvement, Internships so all students connect with their community and the world around them
- Manage and sustain district finances and create financial literacy for all District stakeholders
Experience
Experience
Education
Community Activities
Biography
Questions & Answers
Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (1)
Laws change on an ongoing basis with acronyms coming and going. NCLB etc. I will ask questions and direct management to publish and report answers so that all stakeholders are aware of present and future outcomes and expectations. As one of five community members overseeing our management team I will be open to all public input at our meetings and be truly transparent in conducting our business in public according to law. I will adhere to the Ralph Brown Act regarding public meetings. I will advoacte changes to the agenda so that closed session meetings are clear in regards to matters discussed with read out of actions taken. At present almost anything can be discussed in closed session. I would advocate that items be "Checked" such that only those items checked be discussed rather than anything "on the buffet menu" as is the present system. I believe in an open system and conducting the public's business in public with input from all and serving all.
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
I believe in conducting the public's business in public with actual transparency. I seek to have our meetings recorded. At present it is difficult to even hear what takes place as the meetings are not recorded or even amplified. 2016 and no recordings exist of what actually occurs at School Board Meetings? Meetings are not attended regularly by local reporters. I believe that the public should have access to what is taking place at public meetings regarding our schools.
I further believe strongly that our future generations should have financial literacy and community involvement. We should not focus only on students getting into college; we should focus on our students getting the most out of College. We should focus on them getting the most out of their High School experiences as well. Stdents should graduate ready to make informed decisions, to vote, but also to make choices in their lives, to serve on juries, committees, and councils. Students should understand balance sheets, be able to make choices, have plans, and be successful. They should graduate with community involvement and skills, and have a plan for their future. There is no community involvement requirement in WSCUHSD; as there are in other Districts. Therer are few mentor or internship opportunities, let alone requirements as exist in other Districts. We owe it to our future to have graduates that are ready to serve their communities and be planning for success.
Position Papers
Experience counts
I have over twenty years of experience dealing with School Board Issues, Concerns, and Governance
I was elected in 1990 during a devisive period in our District's history. Recall movements were underway, the Superintendent resigned, six people were running for three seats. I was elected and sought steady supported leadership. Twenty years later after five elections and serving five terms the District was solvent with reserves. I understand public policy and governance. I was trained in governance and have been involved in Superintendent search, hire, and evaluation literally from the day I took office in 1990. I personally signed the documents of an 89 Million Dollar tax bond and oversaw that bond with four other Trustees for twenty years leaving office with Bond Funds still intact and in reserve. I have hired, worked with and evaluated four outstanding Superintendents, two who chose to further their careers going on to bigger Districts and challenges and two who chose to complete their careers in the communities where they had served for decades. I have worked with nine other board members in making hard decisions over the years. I have faced funding shifts, enrollment changes, all aspects of governance and community changes, and the demands of serving diverse groups in troubling times. I have worked with Non- Profits to serve our communities and youth. I was involved in all aspects of creating the Cotati Accordion Festival which is itself a 501c3 non-profit serving our communities and youth groups. Luckily many other groups and festivals have been created since to serve our youth. I "walk the talk" and have served and wish to serve again. I was Awarded "Citizen of the Year" 1999 for my work in my community. This was a great honor but the day to day work was more rewarding and I am proud of what WE were able to achieve. This is what is truly important what WE have been able to achieve together. I wish to serve my community and ask you for your assistance and support.
Politics
I am NOT a politician. This is a non-partisan position. I seek to serve all, all the time. I am self funded and do not seek endorsements. I am happy to attend public forums. I am happy to have face to face interviews with ANYONE. I fear a system where attacks, big money, and power are more important than ideas or actions.
See above. I have posted less than twenty signs in our communities. Sent no mailers. I seek to serve ALL. I wish to work WITH others. I am happy to meet face to face with people and discuss positions, concerns, and issues. I have worked with many on projects and passions in the past and seek to do so again for the good of all. It really is that simple.
