Trustees Valerie Arkin and Jamie Yee Hintzke have completed the California School Boards Association Masters in Governance program.
The two-year certificate program educates members about the roles and responsibilities of school boards and provides governance teams with tools to keep all efforts focused on student learning and achievement.
“We appreciate the experience and knowledge of our trustees and their willingness to participate and model lifelong learning in order to ensure that students in the Pleasanton Unified School District are offered the highest quality of education,” said PUSD Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi in a statement.
Since 1998, more than 2,300 board members and superintendents have participated in the highly acclaimed program.
To receive the Masters in Governance certificate, candidates must complete 60 hours of intensive training on the role of the governance team in setting direction of the district, student learning and achievement, school finance and facilities, human resources, policy and judicial review, collective bargaining and community relations and advocacy.
“We are proud of Trustees and Superintendents who take the time and make the commitment to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to support an effective governance structure,” said CSBA President Jill Wynns.
Arkin and Hintzke were first elected to the board in November of 2008 and both are long-time advocates for children and public education.
Arkin has been an active community volunteer and serves on the Pleasanton Library Commission and Hintzke has held various local PTA leadership roles.
Since 2007 she has also served on the Board of Managers of the California State PTA as a member of the Health Commission and as Chair of the Resolutions Committee.
“Strong advocates who have knowledge in public education systems and see the bigger picture are needed now more than ever to keep education moving forward," Hintzke said.
"School board members are vital to the stewardship of our public education system," she added. "The Masters in Governance program has given me more information, skills and knowledge to govern effectively. I am entrusted by the community and must keep an eagle eye on policy, the budget and all 14,930 PUSD students."
Arkin said the program will help her make decisions about governing well locally, in spite of state budget shortfalls.
“The Masters in Governance certification is a statewide recognized training in the effective leadership of a school district," Arkin said.
"As a school board member in Pleasanton, I am striving to maintain our excellent education system despite the challenging budget cuts from the state. The knowledge gained from this training will enable me to govern effectively in order to make the best possible decisions for our children's education.”
