Mike McMahon AUSD

Candidates' Statements

ALAMEDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Member, Board of Election

Vernice Boone Bob Reeves David Forbes
William Schaff Janet Gibson Karin Lucas

Vernice Boone

Age: 71
Occupation:Substitute Teacher
My education and qualifications are I am Vernice Boone a native Califorian educated in public schools of Oakland and Peralta College District, A.A. in Business and A.B. in Liberal Studies from California State University Hayward, and I am studding for a M.A. in Liberal Studies with Trinity Southern University. I have worked as a teacher in the Oakland Public School, and the Alameda Unified Schools as a Substitute teacher. I drove a Cab, was a security guard, worked as clerk for the Peralta College, was a Book Store worker, at Alameda College. A census taker for the U.S. Department of Commerce. I managed a small apartment building, and I am a active member of the Alameda Church of Christ and just duly elected to the Board of Directors of the West Oakland Health Center I have worked all my life to make it a better world. I have a good relationship with my co-workers and the school districts. I have made a difference in the lives of many children and some adults. I am a good christian and seek to better serve the people I meet in my life as good Christian Teacher. Thanks Sincerely.

Editor NoteEvery effort has been to copy exactly what is presented in the Voter Information Pamphlet including typos and capitalization that the candidate presented.

Bob Reeves

Occupation:Incumbent, Parent
My education and qualifications are As a hard working member of the Board of Education and currently serving as its president, I am proud of the school district's efforts and progress these last four years made by teachers, administrators, classified personnel, and students: Student academic test scores have risen steadily; More students are meeting graduation requirements; Academic curriculum is being articulated and integrated in all schools; A strategic education work-plan has been developed and implemented district wide; 12 schools have been structurally modernized; District financial budgets have been balanced; Employee labor contracts have been settled; Voters have approved Measure A and C; and vigorous lobbying of the state legislators for better funding for Alameda students has been substanial. I am retired educator with a BA and MA degrees and have spent my professional life serving youth and adults in our fine city as a teacher, coach, principal, director of adult education, and as a school broad trustee. I've made my home in Alameda most of my life and attended Alameda schools as have my two children. I am experienced and prepared to effectively deal with future challenges. I ask for your vote.

David Forbes

Age: 45
Occupation:Parent/Businessman
My education and qualifications are Great communities deserve great schools. David has the proven effectiveness, experience and dedication to create the schools we deserve. He has shown his deep commitment to the success of all children in our schools, He led as Alameda's PTA Council president for three years, as co-chair for Measure C (funds to repair our schools)-with over 70% voter approval, on the Oversight Committee for the Measure A parcel tax funds, by servicing on Superintendent's Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and on the Board of our school's leading non-profit, the Alameda Education Foundation. He works to inspire parental and community involvement thoughout our community, such as Miller-Edison's school partnership, Walk to School, and Drive 25 initiatives. In these times of budgetary crisis, we must ensure our School Board understands the compelexities of the budget and demonstrate independent, thoughtful leadership to make tough choices. David Forbes and Bill Schaff show that leadership. They share a vision for our schools' great future: fiscal responsibility, enthusiastic community communication and participation, funding less dependent on the whims of state and federal legislatures, and support of our district's employees and students. Vote for the schools our community deserves. Vote David Forbes and Bill Schaff.

William Schaff

Age: 46
Occupation:Chief Investment Officer
My education and qualifications are Great communities deserve great schools. Bill Schaff has the proven effectiveness, experience and dedication to create the schools we deserve. Bill actively supports our schools. He is VP of Alameda school's leading non-profit supporter, the Alameda Education Foundation. He contributed to the disrict's 2003-2008 Strategic Plan, was an originating member of the Superintendent Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), provided critical disrict financing as a founding committee member for Measure A, and obtained matching funds for school repairs and renovations through Measure C. A former Trustee and Chairman of the Investment Committee for Alameda County Employee's Retirement Association (ACERA), a $4 billion public plan, he knows what it takes to be responsible, independent fidcuary and trustee of our district. And as a parent of three young children, he has the ultimate incentive for success. He and David Forbes share a great vision for our district's future: fiscal responsibility, enthusiastic and responsive community communication and participation, funding less dependent on the whims of state and federal legislatures, and support of our district's employees and students. Vote for the schools our community deserves. Vote David Forbes and Bill Schaff.

Janet Gibson

Occupation:Incumbent, Teacher, Parent
My education and qualifications are I ask for your support that I may continue to use my expertise and experience to serve the educational needs of Alameda's children, youth and adults. As a school board member for the past four years, I have learned the complexities of overseeing our school district and understand the process of making sound decisions. As an Alameda teacher for 31 years, I have gained the practical experience and educational knowledge to consider each issue wisely, and am alert to innovative ideas that will enhance the learning environment for our students. As an Alameda resident for 31 years, I understand the community's history, have been involved in many of its organizations, and have experienced the positive effects that our quality educational system provided for my two daughters. I pledge to promote open dialog with our community members, encourage student success, and improve employee morale. I promise to continue the prudent fiscal planning and policies that have enabled the Alameda Unified School District to maintain financial solvency. I commit my energy and ability to insure the best possible educational system for Alameda's children, youth and adults.

Karin Lucas

Occupation:Retired Attorney, Former City Council Member
My education and qualifications are My experience as an AUSD parent, an attorney, a member of numerous Alameda civic, philanthropic and community boards and commissions and my 12 years on the Alameda City Council, will provide the citizens, students and teachers of our fine town with an honest, trustworthy and consensus-oriented school board member who is committed to prepare each and every Alameda youngster for success. I believe strongly that such preparation needs to be supported with effective district management and adequate funding. My service as a council member and a corporate attorney affords me unique access to senior local, regional, and state business and government decision makers. I will be an advocate in those arenas for our students and teachers. My years of civic involvement will be an asset in bringing the community to the classroom. Like many Alamedans, I am an immigrant. I came here to attend UC Berkeley. We should celebrate and draw value from our diversity, while also ensuring that all are prepared to accept both the opportunities and responsibilities America and Alameda offer. As a board member, I will dedicate myself to that principle, to responsible financial management, to student achievement and fulfillment and honoring our teachers.

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Last modified: September, 2004

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