On June 3, 2014, Soquel School District will conduct a special school board election to determine the fifth member of the Board of Trustees. The person who is selected will serve a two-year term. Board elections during non-presidential election cycles historically have a very low voter turn out.
Your child’s education is highly affected by members of the board. The most dynamic school districts have a history where outstanding board members are elected and their professional relationship with the Superintendent is a seamless bond of similar educational ideologies and leadership styles. A significant parent investment in the educational future of their children is to learn about the candidates and to vote for a candidate this June.
The two candidates who are seeking to fill the board vacancy in our school district are Ms. Amanda Jackson Miller (www.vote-amanda.org) and Ms. Sandra Erickson (sandra-erickson.com). I strongly encourage you to take the time to get to know both of these candidates and visit their websites.
Soquel School District is known for the excellent educational programs from Transitional Kindergarten to eighth grade. Soquel School District is one of the best school districts in Santa Cruz County, because of dedicated board members, outstanding staff members and highly involved parents.
We, as a school district, have made major changes to the organizational structure of our district (www.soqueldo.santacruz.k12.ca.us) that is allowing us to prepare our students for the 21st century. Each of our schools is providing their students with rigorous academic instruction that will allow our students to be competitive at their next grade level. Our eighth grade students are highly prepared, both academically and socially, for their high school experience. Our Science, Math and Language Arts eighth grade test results are among the highest in our county (www.star.cde.ca.gov).
Our schools, Main Street School, Soquel Elementary School, Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School and New Brighton Middle School, are providing a wonderful learning environment for our children. Some of the highlights in our schools include an excellent music program, exemplary art programs, partnerships with non-profits and exceptional enrichment activities through the use of multimedia technology.
As we expand our students’ opportunities in the area of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Music) we have been fortunate to build joint programs with the University of California at Santa Cruz, California State University Monterey Bay and Cabrillo College. Our effort in preparing our students for the 21st Century is the driving force in developing wonderful learning opportunities for our students at these local colleges.
The innovative attitude engulfing our district is directly related to the leadership of our Board of Trustees. Our Board of Trustees are highly involved in establishing policies that will open doors for creative learning and innovation. Our board members invest hundreds of hours in researching various options and opportunities to enhance our district’s educational environment. Having strong dedicated board members like Sandra Wallace, Judy McGooden, Phil Rodriguez and Tory Del Favero, is one of the essential dynamic elements in transforming a good school district to a great school district. This is one of the most important reasons to cast your vote on June 3, 2014.
If you are in need of registering to vote, please visit the internet address to begin the process (registertovote.ca.gov). The completion of the online process must be completed by May 16, 2014. Your investment in your children’s education is directly affected by members of the Board of Trustees. Our great democracy for our nation is built upon the privilege to be able to cast a vote for a candidate of your choice.
Be proactive and vote on June 3rd.