The Board Candidates At A Glance

• Stephen Cochrane
• Bob Gans
• Mary Johnson
• Kris Kissner
• Doug Perkins
• Comischell Rodriguez
• Korey Sarokin

Contact Information

Name	Yrs	Adress	Phone (h)	Phone (w)
Dr. Stephen Cochrane	5	5430 Foxhound Way San Diego, CA 92130	858.793.9562	858.414.0634
Bob Gans	8	735 Hoska Drive Del Mar, CA 92014	858.720.0683	858.342.4656
Mary Slattery Johnson	4.5	12881 Via Grimaldi Del Mar, CA 92014	858.509.2625	858.699.8826
Kris Kissner	25	12624 Carmel Country Rd.#84 San Diego, CA 92130	858.401.0827	760.942.6802
Doug Perkins	20+	13232 Carousel Lane Del Mar, CA 92014	858.481.1882	858.752.6145
Comischell Bradley-Rodriguez	8	5427 Foxhound Way San Diego, CA 92120	858.792.6768	858.205.3113
Korey Kerscher Sarokin	9 mo.	13023 Sandown Way San Diego, CA 92130	858.350.9373	619.260.4255

Questions

1. Provide a description of your educational work and/or public service background.

   Candidate	Answer
   Dr. Stephen Cochrane	I taught Special Education at the elementary, high school, and community college levels. Currently I am serving as an Education professor at Azusa Pacific University (APU) in the Special Education Department. Additionally, I am the Special Education Coordinator and Technology Director in the Special Education Department at APU. I also served on the Board of Directors for Educational Advocacy for Children, a non-profit institution that serves children in San Diego County. Moreover, I am an active member of the San Diego Special Education Alliance, which is comprised of the Special Education department heads from universities in San Diego County. I served on the Site Governance Team, Site Improvement Team, and was the representative to the San Diego Education Association for Mira Mesa High School. Furthermore, I am on a short list of applicants being considered by the Speaker of the California State Assembly for an appointment to the California Advisory Commission on Special Education. I conducted academic research and presented at Educational conferences on education issues. In conclusion, I ran for the San Dieguito School Board in the 2006 election.
   Bob Gans	DEL MAR SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION, May 2006 - Present (Term Expires June 2008) President, May 2007-Present Vice-President, October 2006 - April 2007 Board Member, May 2006 - October 2006 DMUSD ENRICHMENT FUNDING TASK FORCE MEMBER, March 2008 - Present DMUSD BUDGET COMMITTEE MEMBER, Mareh 2008 - Present DMUSD STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM MEMBER, October 2007 DEL MAR HILLS ACADEMY STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM MEMBER, May 2007 NATION CHIEF, MAGDALENA-ECKE YMCA Y-PRINCESS PROGRAM, May 2005 -May 2006 NATION MEDICINE MAN, MAGDALENA-ECKE YMCA Y-GUIDES PROGRAM. May 2003 - May 2004 DEL MAR HILLS ACADEMY DADS CLUB MEMBER, September 2002 - Present
   Mary Slattery Johnson	I have dedicated my professional life to the improvement of public education from within and outside the education system. My work within public schools began as a teacher of language, literature, and social studies in an inner city middle school and my work as a Carnegie Teaching Fellow in the MediaWorks technology program. I continued my work as a Supervisor with the Stanford Teacher Education Program where I supervised high school student teachers in Social Studies through the state credential process. My work from outside the educational system continued as a graduate student at Stanford University where I worked as a research assistant for the Professional Development Center assisting the Director in the conceptualization and implementation of teacher workshops focusing on issues of assessment, service learning, and math and science teaching for at-risk students. In addition, I served as an assistant to the Director of the Stanford Alliance for School-Based change and worked with two Alliance elementary schools to document the process ofchange through video for evaluation purposes. My graduate works in Curriculum and Teacher Education at Stanford concentrates on how video and multimedia are changing traditional concepts of literacy. The conceptual foundation ofmy work focuses on theories of multiple intelligences and how we can reach more students through the integration of video and multimedia composition with writing.
   Kris Kissner	Former DMUSD Board Member/ Board President Former Del Mar Hills PTA President Del Mar Hills Academy Academy Task Force Member Teaching credential in Business and Industrial Management. Former part time instructor, Mira Costa College. Former trustee/ president, Mira Costa College Foundation Former Sixth Grade Camp Teacher
   Doug Perkins	With nearly thirty years in San Diego, I have been involved in a number of leadership positions in the public and non-profit sectors throughout San Diego and California. I have chaired, for approximately 4 years, the City of San Diego Optimization Committee, served on its Select Committee of Governmental Reform and its Electioneering Task Force. From 1994 to 1999, I served on the Executive Committees of two State of California Education Boards to which I was appointed, the State Council on Vocational Education and the State Job Training Coordinating Council. I currently serve on several non-profit boards including an affordable housing non-profit as well as one focused on persons with disabilities. I have a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a B.A. from Bucknell University.
   Comischell Bradley-Rodriguez	1988: Asbury College, Lexington, KY- BA in Music 1990: Anglo Americano Instituto Superior, Mexico City, MX- English As a Second Language Teaching Certificate 1990-91 Colegio del Bosque, Mexico City, Mexico- 12th Grade ESL Teacher 1996-99 St. Clement's Episcopal School, EI Paso,TX - Classroom Volunteer 2000-Present: Republican Party, San Diego, CA - Community Volunteer 2001: Sage Canyon Elementary, San Diego, CA- PTA Financial Secretary 2002-04,06-07 PTA State Convention, Sacramento & Los Angeles, CA- Leadershipl Officer Training 2002-05: Sage Canyon Elementary, San Diego, CA - PTA President 2002-03 Del Mar Union School District, Del Mar, CA - Kindergarten Action Team Member 2003: Del Mar Union School District, Del Mar, CA - Led the campaign to save Basic Aid Representing the District 2003-04: Del Mar Union School District, Del Mar, CA - Equity Task Force 2002-06 Del Mar Union School District, Del Mar, CA - District Strategic Planning Team 2000-04 Jewish Community Center of La Jolla, La Jolla, CA - Classroom Volunteer 2002-06: Sage Canyon Elementary, San Diego, CA - Strategic Planning Team 2000-Present: Sage Canyon Elementary School, San Diego, CA - Classroom Volunteer 2005-07 North Coastal Council PTA, San Diego, CA - VP Programs I Executive VP 2007-08 North Coastal Council PTA, San Diego, CA - President 2008 Ninth District PTA, San Diego, CA- Legislation Action Committee
   Korey Kerscher Sarokin	After graduating from law school, I took a legal job in public service. In 1990, I joined the N.Y. (Manhattan) County District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney. I spent the next nine years prosecuting all manner of street crimes, and then specialized in sex crimes and appeals. While at the N.Y. County District Attorney's Office, I took part in our office's outreach to young at-risk youth by lecturing at schools. After leaving the District Attorney's Office, I spent two years as the director of the Kids Division at the Community Foodbank of N.Y. The program fed, clothed and provided school supplies to at-risk children.

2. Why do you wish to serve on the board and what do you wish to accomplish?

   Candidate	Answer
   Dr. Stephen Cochrane	I have a long-standing desire to serve as a trustee on one of my local school boards, as evident by my run for the San Dieguito Board race in 2006. My desire to serve on a school board is not motivated by a specific issue, but rather to serve my community in my area of expertise and share my personal strengths to better educate the children in our community. My nine-month-old son will eventually attend school in the Del Mar Union School District, and like other parents in our community, I would like him to receive an optimal education. I hope that my contribution as a school board member, would result in continuing the outstanding education provided by the Del Mar Union School District.
   Bob Gans	I wish to be a bridge-builder by representing and acting in the best interests of all ofthe children of our District. I became President of the DMSEF at a time that it was subject to extensive criticism by various stakeholder groups. Our board was able to end much of that controversy by communicating more effectively with the community than we had in the past. This meant seeking out meetings with parents and administrators at every school, listening to their concerns, and explaining the measures that we hoped to implement to make the organization stronger and more effective. It also meant making tough decisions at times, and then embracing dialogue with those who opposed those decisions after they were made, to explain our rationale and fully understand the basis for their opposition. In pursuing this course, I understood that reasonable minds often differ on the best resolution of a given issue. Nevertheless, if the decision is made openly and honestly, and the rationale is communicated effectively, then even those who disagree with the outcome should not doubt the underlying integrity ofthe organization or its efforts to act in the best interests of all stakeholders. I believe that I can put these same skills to work: to help the Board address the difficult and potentially divisive issues it is currently facing. From my work: speaking on behalf of the DMSEF throughout the District over the past year, I have gained a unique, district-wide perspective not limited to one or two schools. I have learned that our community is far larger and more diverse than many appreciate, which often results in different views and priorities among the various stakeholders at each of our eight schools. I understand the importance ofconsidering the views of all stakeholders as part of the decision-making process and of attempting to build a consensus. I also understand the importance of making decisions, rather than allowing issues to linger, and then pro-actively communicating the rationale for these decisions by leaving the boardroom and getting out to the schools. I believe this to be the essence of good leadership, which I hope to help the Board to exercise if my application is accepted.
   Mary Slattery Johnson	It is an important period of transition in the school district with the departure of the superintendent and the uncertain relationship with the Del Mar Education Foundation. I believe that my experience working with different groups ofpeople who look at educational issues from varied perspectives will help me explain the search process and the need for a foundation for the different school communities. I hope to create stronger ties between the Board and the various elementary schools. In addition, my knowledge ofschool programs and my analytical skills could help in the search for alternative sources of funding for the school district.
   Kris Kissner	I would like to assist through the transition until the election of a permanent board member. I have been through the process of choosing an administrator for the District and am familiar with the board responsibilities during summer and for the preparation of the new fall term. I do not intend to seek the position permanently because I feel it would be very beneficial to have the new permanent board member be elected from citizens coming to the elections without a quasi-incumbant on the ballot.
   Doug Perkins	During this period of transition I hope to help guide the district and its professional staff through the multiple challenges ahead-from hiring a new Superintendent to managing the process of locating a 21'S' century administrative complex. I hope to bring a "can-do" atmosphere of accomplishment to the district, a stronger emphasis on public involvement in the decision-making process and respect for the various points of view of parents committed to the students of our district.
   Comischell Bradley-Rodriguez	I wish to bring my experience and background to the Board because I feel that I can contribute in a positive way to DMUSD issues. Having served various years in the District and Site Strategic Planning Committees I feel that I have a good historical understanding of the district. My experience as PTA President and Classroom volunteer has helped me see first-hand how Board decisions are relied upon and implemented. In addition, having served on both the District's Kindergarten Action Team and the original Equity Task Force, I can appreciate the complexity of the issues and the careful research that must be done prior to making any major decision. My knowledge of the Spanish language and passion for the arts - specifically Music- will complement current Board objectives to support ESL curriculum and the Spanish Immersion program. Having used the Spanish language to conduct business, I understand the value of our children learning a second language. I will bring fresh eyes,and ears, and hands to the issues and work with you-exchanging ideas and collaborating to facilitate action and move our district forward in a positive direction.
   Korey Kerscher Sarokin	I wish to serve on the board because I hope to contribute to the succesful education of my children and the children of this district. I have always been interested in the well-being of children, and I believe assisting the school district to achieve academic excellence is a wonderful way to accomplish this. We are new to California, and I wish to be involved in our new community. As for accomplishments, I hope to assist the board make education for all a top priority while helping board, teachers, and families become a unified commnity.

3. What skills, abilities, and experience would you bring to the Board to assist in carrying out its responsibilities?

   Candidate	Answer
   Dr. Stephen Cochrane	The most important thing a school board does is to establish a vision for the community's schools that reflects a consensus of the board, community and district staff. The school board has a wide variety of additional responsibilities, such as adopting a balanced annual budget and issuing interim financial reports, adopting the school calendar, negotiating contracts with employee unions, approving curriculum materials and closing or constructing schools. My leadership experience and training as a teacher, business owner, Education professor, and university administrator has resulted in my acquiring knowledge and skills in curriculum development, instructional programs, educational technology, financial management, and collaboration and consensus building. I have a proven track record of success in leadership positions in both business and education that demonstrate mastery of vital skills and abiliites to serve as an effective school board member.
   Bob Gans	My answer to Question 2 explains how my experience on the DMSEF would assist the Board in carrying out its responsibilities. I am also an attorney who has focused in the areas of accounting fraud and corporate fiduciary duty litigation for the past 18 years. During much of that time, my clients have been large public pension funds seeking to redress corporate wrongs. As such, I have a firm understanding ofthe fiduciary duties of directors and public trustees, as well as the appropriate manner of discharging these fiduciary duties while avoiding conflicts of interest. As an experienced litigator, I also believe that I have developed a good ability to analyze complex issues rationally, and communicate these issues and their resolution in a clear, logical, and coherent manner. I believe that I have applied these skills with great success over the past year, both through my leadership of the DMSEF Board and through my interactions with the various DMUSD administrators, trustees, and school principals and PTA Presidents.
   Mary Slattery Johnson	I would bring financial skills honed as a financial analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston on Wall Street, media production skills cultivated in the New York publishing world, teaching and curriculum development skills developed as a middle school teacher, and an ability to work with the many constituencies ofteachers, administrators, policy makers, parents and students that contribute to the district. I have the ability to synthesize complex educational issues into a comprehensive format without oversimplifying the many uncertainties and trade offs that educational decisions must take into account. My strongest abilities are my excellent verbal, written, and video communication skills developed over the years working with diverse school districts and through my rigorous academic training. The experiences described in Question # 1 would also prove to be invaluable in assisting the Board.
   Kris Kissner	I have been trained through the California School Boards Association (New member workshops and annual meetings) I am familiar with most schools, administrators and many teachers and staff. I am acquainted with many families in the District. I am sensitive to the differences in neighborhoods and schools. I am dedicated to consensus building.
   Doug Perkins	Having served in a variety of public positions, I offer a fresh perspective on the importance of the public participation process as me Boara aelloerates on its critical decisions ahead. As a businessman and a former Executive Committee member of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, I have a keen eye for finances and am "up to speed" on understanding important aspects of the state and local funding processes in these difficult budgetary times. Additionally, I have a broad network of personal contacts with government and civic leaders which may help the District as it moves forward.
   Comischell Bradley-Rodriguez	As a committed community volunteer, businesswoman, and mother, I will bring a wealth of skills, abilities and experience to the Board. In the DMUSD I have volunteered as PTA Financial Secretary, Parliamentarian and President, over-seeing budgets and programs. I have served on Site Council and learned about the processes of funding school needs. I have a broad knowledge base of the district to build upon and feel that I could begin working as an effective member of your team right away. Having served on a variety of Non-Profit and For-Profit Boards, I understand the value of listening, collaborating, and working with others to solve problems. I have experience in working with employees and union representatives. I have worked with auditors, the media and the international community. I respect individual opinions and honor democracy. For the past fifteen years I have been involved in the international and national business world in various capacities including: marketing, public relations, imports, wholesale distribution, the .operation and administration of a transportation company, and the sale of corporations and real property. In that time I have learned skills that have proven crucial to success in any project, be it for profit or non-profit. The skills I bring to the Board include the ability to listen, to communicate effectively, to work with a team and collaborate. Finally, the knowledge one brings to the table as a parent cannot be underscored enough when understanding children and their needs is a must. Public education has many nuances in serving the needs of its children, families and staff. I bring a set of skills and abilities and experience that will be an asset to the Del Mar Union School District Board of Trustees.
   Korey Kerscher Sarokin	I am an attorney. I have spent approximately fifteen years as a criminal trial attorney, over nine years as an assistant district attorney an over five years as a defense attorney at a private firm. I have learnet to investigate all sides of issues, question people, present persuasive arguments, and make critical decisions impacting people's lives and liberty. Additionally, during my two years at the Community Foodbank of NJ's Kids Division, I spent my time in schools and after school programs working to improve children's lives.

4. List your involvement in activities that demonstrate your understanding and support for public education, such as membership on committees/organizations, offices held, volunteer work, and community service.

   Candidate	Answer
   Dr. Stephen Cochrane	Over the past four years, I have trained over 200 teachers in San Diego, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties. On a daily basis, I observe and mentor beginning teachers in their classrooms. I collaboratively work with San Diego County school districts to prepare beginning teachers for the challenges in the classroom. In certain school districts, I'm invited to participate on hiring committees. I served as a member of the board of directors for Educational Advocacy for Children (EAC). EAC's mission is to support learning for children with special needs. I conducted academic research in various areas in Education. Furthermore, I have presented academic research in Education at international, national, and local education conferences. I am a member of Academic Education Research Association, National Association for Christians in Special Education, and the San Diego Coalition on Special Education.
   Bob Gans	I believe that my work on behalf of the DMSEF, as well as my participation in the 2-day strategic planning session held in October and the enrichment funding task force, has given me a first-hand appreciation of what it means to support public education in the Del Mar Union School District. I have gained an extensive understanding not only ofthe financial realities of providing a first-rate public education to all students, but also an appreciation of the need to address concerns of fairness and equity in a district that is far more diverse than many people realize. I feel that I have gained a unique, district-wide perspective on these issues that could help the Board in its work, having had so much direct contact with parents, teachers, and staff at the various schools throughout the District.
   Mary Slattery Johnson	My work as a teacher, teacher education supervisor, and involvement in school reform through the Professional Development Center and Stanford Alliance for School-Based Change demonstrate my deep understanding ofpublic education. And my roles ofclassroom volunteer for four years, room parent, member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Site Council Representative at Del Mar Heights School demonstrate my support on the local level.
   Kris Kissner	Past service on DMUSD School Board DMUSD reepresentative to North County Special Ed Consortium (NCCSE) Former Sixth Grade Camp teacher Parent Volunteer in classroom PTA President Staff member Del Mar Schools Education Foundation
   Doug Perkins	As vice-chair of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, I was part of an effort to begin to establish principles to provide support for school district bonding measures which are critical for modernization of facilities and strengthening student achievement. I also served for approximately five years on a local mentoring non-profit, Casa de Amistad, whose chief aim is to provide tutors for limited English speakers to assist them in achieving higher educational attainment. For the past several years I have served as a Head Soccer coach, assistant Little League Coach and have been active in a variety of committees and efforts at mv church.
   Comischell Bradley-Rodriguez	When our funding from Basic Aid was in crisis a few years ago I stepped up to help by organizing a successful letter writing campaign to our congressmen and Governor. I personally lobbied on behalf of the District by visiting one-on-one with State Senator Dee Dee Alpert, First Lady Sharon Davis, State Assembly Members Mark Wyland and George Plescia, and Congressman Brian Bilbray here in San Diego and in Sacramento. Since those days I have remained active in PTA, attending leadership courses and serving on North Coastal Council PTA as VP of Programs, Executive VP and President. Currently I am supporting PTA's efforts to address the budget crises by participating on a Ninth District PTA committee to organize a rally to Flunk the Budget. Below is a summary of the volunteer work I have done in the last few years: 2000-Present Del Mar Union School District - PTA Member and Leader 2005 Del Mar Union School District - Sage Canyon Elementary Principal Hiring Committee 2006-07 Del Mar Union School District - Sage Canyon Elementary - Site Council 2004-05 San Dieguito Union High School District - Carmel Valley Middle School - Site Council 2004-06 San Dieguito Union High School District - Carmel Valley Middle School - PTSA Exec VP, President 2007-Present San Dieguito Union High School District - Torrey Pines High School Foundation Board Member (Athletic Advisory Committee and Parent Rep to SDUHSD) 2007-Present San Dieguito Union High School District - TPHS Football Parent Liaison
   Korey Kerscher Sarokin	Over the past years, I have been involved in my children's elementary school in Westfield, NJ. I participated in teaching Art Appreciation, volunteered on the Community service Committee, and was the parent advisor for the Student Council. I also feel strongly that my work with the underserved children in NJ through the Community Foodbank was invaluable in helping me understand the critical importance of good public education in a child's (and community's life.

5. List, in order of importance, the major issues confronting public education and, specifically, the Del Mar Union School District.

   Candidate	Answer
   Dr. Stephen Cochrane	The following bullets represent pressing issues in public education and in the Del Mar Union School District. Teacher training Early intervention for struggling readers using research-based instructional programs Acquiring and managing resources Effective curriculum development implementing state standards Integrating technology into the curriculum Collaboration with universities and local businesses to yield improved educational results for children.
   Bob Gans	Installing a permanent superintendent for the District. Providing a stable, secure environment, with appropriate boundaries, where education professionals can perform their jobs effectively without fear of unfair retribution or micro-management. Finding a long-term solution for the funding issues that have caused so much confusion and concern throughout the District Effectively balancing the twin values of diversity and equity amongst our schools. Rebuilding a sense of community throughout our District.
   Mary Slattery Johnson	The ability ofthe Del Mar Union School District to continue educating the whole child through its enrichment programs. The funding issue-the ability ofthe school district to influence lawmakers on the current and future budget choices for education and to explore alternative funding sources like bond issues, foundation grants, and innovative funding ideas. The search for a new superintendent-keeping close communication flowing with the principals, staff and families of the different elementary schools. Creating a culture where each "neighborhood school" can flourish with its own identity, strengths and unique culture. Rather than centralizing and standardizing policies, the Del Mar School Board can listen and help schools identify what makes each "special".
   Kris Kissner	Funding (Public and Private) Keeping curriculum up-to-date in an information based society Fluctuations in demographics Government compliance issues Boundary issues
   Doug Perkins	Most important to our District is the selection of a Superintendent with the leadership qualities to build upon our successes and move us forward in the next decade and its challenges of tight budgets, increasing student achievement... etc. Additionally, while DMUSD has been incredibly fortunate to have parents who contribute to the school programs, the Foundation and the District need to reestablish a healthy and proper relationship. This must be a top priority if we are to maintain our high quality educational experience for our children. Also, we need to address our antiquated headquarters situation and provide management with the tools needed to effectively manage an expanding organization with 500 employees.
   Comischell Bradley-Rodriguez	Hiring a new Superintendent: The Board must complete the search procedure for hiring a new superintendent and establish an amicable working relationship. The whole school community must be involved in the process. The State Budget Crises: Even though we are a Basic Aid district we are affected by categorical funding and unfunded mandates. Declining enrollment and declining tax revenues will have a significant effect on our finances in the future. Planning ahead and staying on top of our State budget and the yearly crises will help us as a district to keep on as even a keel as possible in the coming years. Viability of the Foundation: This is a hot topic now and I feel that parents are just beginning to understand the need for the supplemental income our Foundation provides. Continuing Respectful Relations with the Teachers' Association: For our children to receive the very best public education it is vital that our staff and teachers feel respected and appreciated for their professional contribution to the education of our kids. I believe in the golden rule and respect our teachers and staff as so many go above and beyond their calls of duty. Providing a positive working environment will foster a finer quality of education for our children. The Equity Issue: This is an old issue that deserves addressing with an Action Team. Enrichment Program Stability: This will come when our Equity Issue and Foundation Issues are r~solved. Our children deserve broad and consistent education.
   Korey Kerscher Sarokin	Funding Wise appropriation of funding Community support Maximization of classroom hours Daily time alotted for the arts, P.E., and technology

6. Explain the mission of the Del Mar Union School District:

   Candidate	Answer
   Dr. Stephen Cochrane	The Del Mar Union School District is committed towards providing rigorous academics in a nuturing environment. The ultmate objective is to foster in children an unquenchable desire for intellectual growth, develop well-rounded young people, and prepare students for the challenges of the future.
   Bob Gans	The mission of the DMUSD should be to provide the best education possible and maximize the potential of every child at our school Success in achieving this mission cannot be measured exclusively by STAR testing results, API scores, or academic grades. Equally important is fostering the social development of our children, so that they are prepared to meet the challenges they will face in adolescence and adulthood. Primary responsibility for achieving this mission lies with the professionals - the teachers, principals, and administrators who have devoted years oftraining and experience to educating our children. The role ofschool board members in achieving this mission should be focused upon: continually evaluating our progress toward achieving the mission; determining the resources necessary to allow the professionals to achieve this mission, and the ways and means of obtaining those resources; allocating existing resources in the best manner possible consistent with the mission; insulating the education professionals from the "politics of the moment"; making important decisions on an informed basis quickly and transparently; and setting an example for our children and the entire community.
   Mary Slattery Johnson	The mission ofthe Del Mar Union School District is to educate the "whole child" meaning that a strong academic curriculum is BALANCED by a strong enrichment program. The statement that the district wants to "nurture creativity, confidence, persistence and problem solving to enable life long learners with an appreciation for music and culture" inspires this mission to create well educated students. I support this mission wholeheartedly and will support this program that emphasized educating students over making them the sum oftheir test scores. To me, that is what academic excellence embodies.
   Kris Kissner	In my own words: To inspire and nurture the growth of the students ofDMUSD into well-rounded citizens and individuals ready to step into the future by providing the best programs coupled with excellent teachers and staff and supported by the community
   Doug Perkins	The Del Mar Unified School District is first and foremost about providing the highest quality educational experience for our community's children, preparing them to excel in the higher grades and compete in the global economy. According to our Mission Statement, we must involve our community and staff in our "continually evolving" development of programs that achieve academic excellence. This is a vision I share.
   Comischell Bradley-Rodriguez	The mission of the DMUSD encompasses all the elements necessary for successful public education. First and foremost, we mustprovide exemplary education for our children. This is possible through a positive work environment, mutual respect and input from the whole school community. Our education aljgns with State Standards, but the DMUSD expects more of its teachers, staff and students by holding everyone to a higher standard. Our mission calls for respect of the individual and support for each person's uniqueness. Our academic excellence aims to go above and beyond the basics. We must be fiscally responsible and recognize that public education in the DMUSD must evolve to meet the challenges of the future. The district strategic plan has outlined goals for continuous improvement. I support those goals.
   Korey Kerscher Sarokin	The DMUSD's mission must be a single-minded devotion to the children's education. The District must provide the type of education and learning environment that inspires our children to learn, not memorize. DMUSD (and all the school districts) mission is to provide the foundation for a bright future for the children and our community.