BUILDING ON OUR PROGRESS. PREPARING FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Wiseburn today is very different from the school district I joined as a Board member in 2005. Over the past two decades, our community has come together to expand educational opportunities, unify our District, build a permanent home for our high schools, improve our campuses and continue investing in the future of our students. I am proud to have played a part in that progress, but these accomplishments have never belonged to one person. They reflect the work of many Board members, educators, staff, parents, students and community members who believed in Wiseburn and supported our schools. Today, we have an opportunity to build on that foundation while continuing to listen, adapt and focus on what matters most: What is in the best interest of our students.
One Community. Many People. Years of Work.
These accomplishments belong to generations of Wiseburn Board members, superintendents, administrators, teachers, classified staff, parents, students, volunteers and community partners. My privilege has been to serve throughout much of that journey and help provide continuity, oversight and leadership as Wiseburn has evolved.
LOOKING AHEAD
Wiseburn has accomplished a great deal over the past two decades, but our work is never finished. The needs of our students continue to change, our community continues to evolve, and we must be willing to do the same. My experience gives me an understanding of where we have been and how we got here. Looking ahead, I believe our responsibility is to build on that experience while continuing to listen, learn and make thoughtful decisions about Wiseburn's future.
1. Student Achievement Comes First - We must continue improving academic achievement for every student, with particular attention to mathematics, literacy, learning recovery and closing achievement gaps. Our success should ultimately be measured by how well we prepare our students to succeed in high school, college, careers and life.
2. Expanding Opportunities for Every Student - I want Wiseburn students to continue having access to a broad range of academic, enrichment and extracurricular opportunities that allow them to discover their interests and reach their potential. That means continuing to strengthen STEM and STEAM, arts and music, athletics, technology, career exploration and the educational pathways available through our partnership with Da Vinci Schools.
3. Supporting the Whole Student - Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, connected and ready to learn. We must continue strengthening counseling, mental-health and social-emotional supports, special education, intervention services, attendance programs and the resources our teachers and staff need to support students both academically and personally.
4. Protecting Our Community's Investment - Our community has made a significant investment in Wiseburn, and we have a responsibility to manage those resources carefully and transparently. I will continue emphasizing responsible budgeting, long-range financial planning, strong oversight and accountability while completing Measure EE projects and maintaining the schools and facilities our community has worked hard to build.
5. Planning for Wiseburn's Future - Good governance requires us to look beyond the next school year and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. That includes enrollment, District finances, technology, school safety, facilities, our long-term partnership with Da Vinci Schools and the changing educational needs of the students and families we serve.
CONTINUING TO LISTEN
After more than 20 years of Board service, I still believe the most important part of leadership is listening. I will continue listening to our students, parents, teachers, staff and community, asking difficult questions when necessary and approaching every decision with the same question that has guided my service from the beginning: What is in the best interest of our students?