The Past Four Years

The 8200 students attending Berryessa schools are fortunate to have caring parents, teachers and administrators who work tirelessly to provide a high quality education for our children.

Much has been accomplished in the past few years, and my hope is to continue to be a part of further progress during a second term. Our district's test scores continue to rise, with 11 of our schools now scoring above the target of 800 on the California API.

Cherrywood Elementary and Sierramont Middle Schools have been added to the list of California Distinguished Schools. We have added summer enrichment programs in pre-algebra and science. We have reduced our energy usage by retrofitting all our lighting and are investigating a district-wide solar implementation. We have upgraded our entire computer and internet infrastructure to bring us into the 21st century.

Unfortunately, California's budget crunch continues to challenge the Berryessa Union School District to come up with creative ways to continue providing the high level of service our students deserve and currently receive.

I have fought hard during my time on the board to preserve many of our student services, including counseling in our middle schools. I am working to make sure our outstanding music program continues to be available to elementary students. I have met regularly with our state legislators to help them understand the toll that the budget cuts have taken on our schools and to advocate for flexibility in the way we spend our money.

This is more than community service to me, it is personal. My daughter Mia is in her second year at Noble School and her brother Reed is one year away from entering the district. I understand first hand the value of education. Our community has accomplished much during the past four years, and despite the budget constraints we are facing, I believe we will be able to continue to offer the highest quality education for all children in the Berryessa Union School District.

Ruskin Fit - Students Jump Rope for Record

I had the privilege of serving as a judge this morning at Ruskin Elementary School on Jamba Jump Day. Ruskin is one school in a statewide effort to break the World Record for Most People Jumping Rope at the Same Time. Schools all across the state were jumping for 10 minutes this morning to break the record held by Australia of 59,000 people jumping at once.

It was inspiring to watch Ruskin's nearly 650 students all on the playground at one time with jump ropes. I helped ensure that those who stopped for more than 10 seconds did not get counted in the official tally. The students, and some teachers, got a great workout. I even jumped myself for 30 seconds.

Ruskin is a great example of a school that provides a complete body and mind education. They have been recognized by the State of California for their Ruskin Fit program, which challenges students to exercise for 30 minutes every day and keep a log. Today's jump rope event fits nicely with their stated goal of developing both the body and mind.