I’d like to recap, as succinctly as possible, the basic points of my platform as a candidate for the Region 9 Board:

1.  Excellence.  Remember Barlow's Guiding Principle, as shown on its website, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."  The definition of “academic excellence” should apply both to the highest achievers and to the “kids in the middle” who are helped to break through barriers and make the most of their abilities.

2.  Test Scores.  Since 2003, CAPT and SAT test scores at Barlow have been essentially flat.  While scores do not give a complete picture of academic performance, this trend is not acceptable and should be addressed immediately.  We need to look behind the numbers, determine where the weaknesses are, and focus on improving teacher effectiveness and providing individualized attention to students who need more support.

3.  Board Performance.  Bring clarity and cohesiveness to a board that has been neither clear nor cohesive for too long – which is clearly evident to anyone who regularly attends the meetings.  My credentials as a consensus builder, professionally and in the community, are clear.  So has been my active and substantive support for Barlow, including the board, despite my belief that their performance should be improved.

There is no conflict between building consensus and being honest about shortcomings.  Constructive criticism and disagreement are healthy when accompanied by honesty and mutual respect.  In fact, they are the starting points for building consensus, for otherwise there is nothing to build upon.  How else do we expect to improve test scores and provide a better environment for Barlow students?

4.  Athletic Fields.  We need renovated fields at Barlow, and these will also help alleviate the field shortage in Redding.  I fully support moving forward on the Master Plan process, in a way that is financially responsible and politically realistic, and that has qualified, professional project management.

(Redding Pilot, October 24, 2007)