We used our country’s public education system.  It was available and accessible to us.  Our lives were enhanced because we learned to think for ourselves, were able to enjoy reading at all levels, debated political issues, argued for our positions and eventually voted for the issue that resonated with our conscience.

Our students at Tierrasanta Elementary School must be literate, critical thinkers so that they will be able to fully participate in our democratic process.  They must understand that there are many sides to an issue.  When they read an article, or book, or pamphlet, are they thinking…what is this person really trying to tell me?  Does the author have an agenda?  Does he have access to the all the facts?  Is she distorting the facts to fit her message?

How can we provide the skills for our students to thrive in our new century?  What skills will they need to compete in our new world economy?  What skills can our children provide that other societies can’t provide at a much cheaper cost?  I believe that our public education system can meet this challenge.  We need to nurture citizens who can solve problems.  Remember last century when “American Ingenuity” led the world with inventions and innovations that changed the Twentieth Century?  We must challenge our youth to again strive for the creativity, passion and desire needed to achieve this.

Currently our school PTA and Foundation are collaborating with me to design a plan for technology for our school.  This is a plan that will take commitment from our community and teachers.  It is a long-term commitment.  Because of rapidly changing technology advancements, this will be an on-going challenge.  I believe with parent/community support we can achieve these goals.

As our world changes around us, some things do not change…the appreciation and participation in the visual and performing arts.  Our parent organizations and teachers are enthusiastic about exposing our children through Art Corps to different creative experiences in drawing and painting.  San Diego Junior Theatre sponsors after-school workshops for children in drama.  This funds a school program that provides drama classes for all children during the school day.  Fourth and fifth graders can participate in an orchestra for strings or in a band for wind and brass instruments.

Finally, another strength that our community school provides is the diversity of our students.  Our school reflects the population diversity of San Diego and California.  Our students learn to work and play with students who bring different experiences and beliefs to the classroom.  The ability to understand and tolerate others who have different backgrounds and belief systems is essential in today’s ever-shrinking world.  I believe that this skill will prepare our students to work in different environments, work with different cultures and nations, work in teams, work to solve problems and eventually, as leaders, create a nation that unites its citizens in the belief that self-respect and the respect of others is the only path towards peace on our planet.

I believe in public education.  I believe that it is the foundation for democracy in our society.  If public education fails, our society fails.