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Health & Fitness

Belmont/Redwood Shores School Board Election - Upcoming Candidate Forums

   This November we will have a choice of seven candidates to fill three open 4-year positions on the BRSSD school board. It is exciting to have an election. As most of you know, in recent years most school board positions have been filled in unopposed elections or by appointments mid-term because of resignations.

   We have seven enthusiastic community members who are willing to volunteer their time and energy in the often thankless task of representing their fellow citizens and leading the local school district:

Ms. Suvarna Bhopale
Mr. Rakesh Hegde
Ms. Amy Koo
Mr. Herb Neuman
Ms. Naomi Nishimoto
Ms. Kelly Redmon
Mr. Chuck Velschow

   In many discussions I have found that often people are unsure about the school board members' responsibilities. In short, their primary duties are:

  • Set the vision and goals for the district
  • Adopt policies that give the district direction to set priorities and achieve its goals
  • Hire and evaluate the superintendent
  • Adopt and oversee the annual budget
  • Manage the collective bargaining process for employees of the district

   More information can be found at these links: Greatschools.org and California School Board Association.

   There are many opportunities for community members to be involved in our excellent schools, this is one more - we get to choose the community leaders who set the vision and goals for our local schools.

   Several community forums have been organized to give all voters the opportunity to ask questions of and hear the BRSSD board candidates present their views. Please take advantage of these opportunities:

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Monday, September 23rd, 7 pm - at Nesbit Elementary School; sponsored by the Redwood Shores Community Association and the Belmont/Redwood Shores PTA Council.

Thursday, October 3rd, 7 pm
- at the Belmont Library; sponsored by the Belmont Public Library, the League of Women Voters, and the Friends of the Belmont Library.

Wednesday, October 16th, 6:30 pm - at Nesbit Elementary School; sponsored by the Neighborhood Associations of Belmont.

   Finally, the San Mateo Daily Journal recently ran an article about the election and the candidates, you can read it on page 8 here: SanMateoDailyJournal 09-04-2013

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