Incumbent

Age: 56

Occupation: Educator

"I came to the position of school board trustee with a background in education. My undergraduate majors were in English and political science, and I have a masters degree in curriculum and instruction with credentials in teaching and school administration. I worked ten years as an 8th grade reading and English teacher and middle school administrator in Southern California, and many more as a parent and civic volunteer in San Carlos.

As a volunteer in our schools, I served as Heather PTA president and treasurer; art docent; site council representative; Fun Day, Walk-a-jog and Spell-a-thon chairs; Central PTA secretary and Charter Learning Center design team member. Eight of these years I was a Trinity Nursery School parent and teacher. Today I serve on a commission advisory to the State Board of Education and am president of the board of Aspire Public Schools. My past and present activities integrate with twelve years of school board service, allowing me to offer a broad view of sometimes competing needs of children, parents, teachers and community.

If returned to the board, I will work steadily to assure district accountability for student achievement, careful management of district resources, and opportunity for all students to excel. Together the school board and staff must maintain disciplined focus on the budget, on outstanding teaching and the quality of partnership among constituents. We need to continue to study student data and follow the progress of all children. We must assure that students are at the center of educational spending decisions.

Our children are capable of high achievement if backed solidly by parents, teachers, and a caring community. I deeply believe the success that students achieve derives from home-school connections based on trust. Dedicated and professional staff work long hours with families and children. The number of volunteer hours parents devote outside and inside the classroom supports quality teaching and learning and is the basis of the genuine relationships among us.

San Carlos’ small schools are healthy, stimulating places for children because of excellent teachers, involved parents and a supportive community, all of whom place great importance on quality education for children. I will work to be deserving of the trust of so special a community and pledge continuing care and attention to our schools. I can be reached at 592-3580 or by e-mail at beth@hunkapiller.org."

Beth Hunkapiller