Serving on the Board for the last four years often has been challenging, but I have worked hard to be honest in my dealings, responsible in my decisions and responsive to the people of San Diego. I have tried to make intelligent judgments that promote the common good. I believe in genuine educational reform and I am proud of my record as an agent of positive change.

Since I have been on the Board, I have voted for positive changes that include:

• Clear district standards established in every subject at every grade level describing what children should know
• Extending mandate for small classes beyond grades K - 3
• More programs for high achievers with universal testing to ensure equal access
• Academic tutorials for struggling students
• Restoration of water sports and soccer; athletic program expansion to include 9th grade girls' volleyball and boys' football
• Local parent participation in principal selection throughout the district
• Professional growth for teachers with peer coaches at every school
• Emphasis on instructional leadership and training for all school principals.

I do not support counterproductive change, however, and have voted "no" to policies which lead us in the wrong direction:

• Contract experiments that delayed bond issue schedules to build and repair schools
• Strangulation of systematic in-school music and art instruction -- important areas of the core curriculum which every child is entitled to experience
• Capricious school closings -- contrary to long-range facilities plans
• Slashing the corps of classroom aides and college student workers -- cutting service to English language learners, AVID programs, special education students and school libraries
• Extravagant hiring of unaccountable consultants and outside lawyers
• Drastic "Blueprint" plan that deprives thousands of students of equal access to all subject areas, weakens comprehensive general education and resegregates classrooms.

These unfortunate changes -- endorsed by a rubber-stamp Board majority -- have caused costly litigation and plummeting morale among teachers and principals, and have shaken community confidence. As a Board member, I try to hold a steady course for positive change and to reject poorly-conceived notions which threaten our goal of delivering a quality education for all our children.

I believe my independent voice is crucial for genuine improvements to continue in instruction and student learning. I believe in change which involves all stakeholders in a positive way. My commitment to improving our public school system is without equal in this election.

"You are doing great work representing the students and parents of San Diego. I’m ready to help in any way I can."

-- Gloria McMillan, Seminar Teacher, Scripps Ranch High School