Politics & Government

Pleasanton Unified School District Candidate Q&A: Jeff Bowser

Pleasanton Patch has compiled background information on all candidates running for office in November.

Pleasanton Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background.

What is the primary reason you are running for the school board?

To make a difference in the community. It may sound corny but I want to give something back to the community that I benefited from. I have lived in Pleasanton for 38 years, attended its schools and choose to raise my family here. I have seen so much change, some good and some bad. I worry that the next generation of carpenters, police officers, teachers, secretaries, engineers, managers, CEOs, and stay-at-home parents won't receive the excellent education that we pay for in our property values.

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What will be your priority if you get elected?

My priorities are to maintain a balanced budget, bring back class-size reduction, return A-period for band students, restore elementary music and reading programs and open communication with the community.

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What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am actually qualified for the position with a master's degree in educational leadership, teaching and administrative credentials, graduate of the California School Leadership Academy, and 13 years of actual experience running school programs. This, combined with 13 years of 'dog-eat-dog" sales management experience in the business world.  I bring the best of both worlds: understanding the pressures that face teachers and administrators and the pressures facing small and large businesses. Bringing these skills together will help to restore the employee's and the communities' confidence in our school district.

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I am an account manager for Qwest Communications supporting our largest customers headquartered in the Bay Area.

Age and birthplace?

I am 48 years old and was born in Alameda, CA. I moved to Pleasanton in 1971 when I was in the fourth grade.  

What are the names and ages of your children, if any?

My son Jeffrey is 17 and a senior at Foothill. My stepdaughter, Emily, a 2001 graduate of Foothill, is 27 and resides in San Francisco.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained

  • UC Davis: BS in Biochemistry
  • Cal State Hayward/East Bay: MS Educational Leadership; Professional-Clear teaching and administrative credentials

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

While I have been elected to serve on several community groups: President Foothill Little League; President Hearst Elementary School PTA; President Windsor Homeowners Association; Patrol Director Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol, I have not held a publicly elected position.

Have you run before for an elected public office?

Yes I unsuccessfully ran for the school board in 2008.  

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal.

I was surprised how much it cost to run for a volunteer job. Just the county filing fee is $1200. Running for the school board is much lower key than running for the city council or mayor. The biggest expenses are signs and handouts. I would expect to spend between $6-$10,000 for the election. People have been very generous in the past and for this campaign. It will personally cost me several thousand dollars.

Have you ever served in the military?

No.

As an adult, have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

What is this a job application? No convictions.

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?

Okay it is credit application…No

How long have you lived in Pleasanton?

I have lived in Pleasanton for 38- years.

What's your favorite thing about Pleasanton?

It's all about the people, the community, the businesses and the schools. It is an amazingly balanced community. You lean a lot in the Leadership Pleasanton program put on by the City and the Chamber of Commerce and from living here when Pleasanton for 38-years.

What is the biggest problem/biggest issue that PUSD needs to tackle?

Where do I start? 

  • Our biggest challenge is a stable funding source
  • Improving employee moral
  • Recruiting and retaining the best employees
  • Pay off debt

Contact information/website/etc?

 www.votebowser.com


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