On November 6th, if you are a registered voter, you will be heading to your local polling station to vote on candidates for the Newhall School District and for the William S. Hart School District. As far as I’m concerned, this November’s election is just as important as next year’s national election. Choosing the right community members to serve on a school district board is vital to the performance and quality of education in that district.
The Newhall School District is an example of a well run school district. It has quality educators, strong curriculums, professional development and training for the teachers and great communication with parents. This is due to a dedicated and caring Newhall School District Board along with Superintendent Mark Winger. In my view, it is a model of what a school district board should be and is re-enforced by the number of California Blue Ribbon Schools in the district.
Two members of the Newhall School District Board are up for re-election on November 6th, Suzan Solomon and Mike Shapiro. They are both part of a well oiled board that has accomplished so much and both deserve; should be; must be re-elected!
Suzan Solomon has been a tremendous advocate for quality education. She has actively attended various community meetings on a regular basis and listens to the community for concerns regarding the school district. Solomon has been elected to leadership roles in local and state levels of the PTA. Her efforts have included working with City, County, State, and Federal Officials on local and legislative issues that benefit the Newhall School District Community. Suzan has endorsements from Congressman McKeon, Assemblyman Smyth, Supervisor Antonovich and Mayor McLean of Santa Clarita.
Mike Shapiro has also done a fantastic job as a Newhall School District Board member and has shown leadership commitment to physical fitness district-wide. He has continued to support challenging curriculums for all students, increased communication and parental involvement as well as promoting professional development and training for teachers.
Mike and his family have lived in Newhall for over twenty-five years. He has been a community volunteer lending his support to the AYSO and the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force.
It has been the best of times with Suzan Solomon and Mike Shapiro as part of the school board. Please vote them both back onto the Newhall School District School Board so that they can continue the great work they are doing.
Over at the William S. Hart School District it has been a decidedly different situation. There have been too many questions being raised about finances and the quality of the school environments. It is the worst of times on the Hart School District Board and it is time for fresh blood, a fresh perspective and a new person to shake things up.
Joe Messina, as his campaign slogan states, is “no ordinary Joe”. He is a successful businessman, father of 4 children. Messina knows the issues facing our schools and has both the temperament and know-how to effect solutions. Joe’s core plan for the Hart District Schools are to provide more fiscal accountability, close community relationships, getting more dollars into the classroom, building vocational training programs and insuring that program resources are distributed fairly throughout the district.
Joe brings a lengthy resume of community contributions to the job of School Board Member. He sits on the boards of the SCV Youth Project and the SCV Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation. The School District Committees he has participated in include the Hart District Parent Advisory Committee as well as the Saugus High School Scholarship Committee.
Your vote for Joe Messina is a vote for a candidate with strong moral leadership and the courage and integrity to make tough decisions for our kids. It is time for change; it is time to elect Joe Messina to the William S. Hart School District Board.
I hope that you will take the November 6th election seriously and exercise your right to vote and have a say in how our school districts are run. Please cast your vote for Suzan Solomon and Mike Shapiro for the Newhall School District Board and for Joe Messina for the William S. Hart School District Board.
David Bossert
Commentary
Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.