Vantage point: Strengthening local governance
By:
CSBA President Cindy Marks
Published: January 2, 2013
As I think about the year ahead, I am reminded of a quote from “Through the Garden Gate,” by Susan Hill: “Of all human activities … gardening is the most optimistic and hopeful. The gardener is by definition one who plans for and believes and trusts in the future, whether in the short or the long term.” As I assume my new role as your president, I recognize and applaud CSBA’s “gardeners,” the Executive Committee and past presidents who have gone before me. I affirm my intent to continue to “water” their “seeds of success” to strengthen local governance and support you in your important work on behalf of public education.
Last month, in my speech to attendees at the Annual Education Conference, I outlined some of my key priorities for 2013. In addition to supporting the priorities outlined in the Policy Platform, I feel passionate about these three student success areas that I intend to “till” and grow:
Grassroots advocacy: It is said that the key to “success is knowing the difference between cornering people and getting them in your corner.” I believe that one of the most important roles that we can fulfill is to build strong relationships with our locally elected officials and legislators. We need them to be in our corner and see the value of making education the No. 1 priority once again in California. I urge you to learn more about Stand Up For Education (see page 7) and to be responsive to the legislative Action Alerts that will be coming your way in the new year as the legislative season gets under way. We school board members are 5,000 strong, rendering decisions that impact more than 6 million school-age children. Our voice matters, and we can effect real change together by engaging in legislative, community and media advocacy.
Career technical education: As the mother of three grown sons, I know all too well that children have different strengths. The beauty of our educational system is that we offer programs and learning experiences that help students discover their personal interests and gifts. Through CSBA’s Linked Learning initiative, we are actively supporting dual competency in CTE skills and the a-to-g requirements necessary for admission to college. The positive proficiencies gleaned in these courses often inspire students to pursue a post-graduation educational pathway tied to their CTE learning experience. I enthusiastically support Linked Learning, and will work with Executive Director Vernon M. Billy and his team to advance this priority.
Closing the achievement gap: I am personally passionate about closing the achievement gap and demonstrating sensitivity to the cultural needs of our students. I look forward to how we, working together through CSBA, will embrace these challenges and opportunities to support student success.
I commit to you that I will give the best of my experience and effort this year as your president. Let’s work together to plant the seeds of success that will produce sustained public and legislative support for our schools and students.