Submitted by: Valerie Arkin
“I am looking forward to continuing my service on the Pleasanton school board.
During the past four years, I have made a valuable contribution in serving as your School Board Trustee. As a professional with a MBA and a parent of three children, I understand the importance of a high quality education.”
Ms. Arkin was elected to the School Board in November of 2008. Her priorities are to improve and maintain the excellent academic programs while ensuring that all students are given the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. “I consider the best interest of kids in every decision I make.”
“During these challenging economic times, we have to work even harder to maintain our excellent schools with reduced funding from the state”, says Ms. Arkin. Working with employees, parents, and the community, Ms. Arkin’s leadership has found innovative ways to keep important educational programs for the children. “We could not have maintained our excellent educational programs without the support of our employees, parents and community. I appreciate the sacrifices and hard work of teachers, classified staff, administration, parents, businesses and others in the community”.
Being fiscally responsible and accountable to the public is vitally important in the role of a Governing Board Member. “I insist on transparency in the Board’s decision making.”
Effectively communicating with the community is a top priority for Ms. Arkin. “I
advocate for having many channels of communication and consider public input
valuable in making decisions about our children’s education.”
As an active member of the community for nearly 20 years, Ms. Arkin understands what her constituents feel is important. She is very accessible and has always been open and responsive to the community. “I believe in studying the issues carefully and thoroughly, seeking information and asking questions before making thoughtful and deliberate decisions. I reach out to the public in order to understand all viewpoints and perspectives. I am an independent thinker and I take a stance on what I feel is right, even if it is not with the Board majority”.
Since Ms. Arkin has been on the Board, she has advocated for such things as maintaining and enhancing reading interventions, additional AP and advanced courses, music and the arts, having a student board member, and providing more outreach and communication to the public.
She was instrumental in the hiring of our new Superintendent as she was the liaison between the search firm and the rest of the Board. She has also been on various committees such as Strategic Plan committees, the Budget Advisory committee, the Board policies committee, the Audit committee, the City of Pleasanton/School Board liaison committee as well as the Hacienda Task Force.
She was Board President for the 2011 year and she is a Delegate with the California School Boards Association. She has also completed her Masters in Governance training through CSBA.
“It has been a privilege to represent this community and I would consider it an
honor to continue my service”. As a parent of three, Ms. Arkin has a passion
for the education of the students in the district – from the high achievers to
those needing interventions. “I believe we need to give ALL students the
opportunity to reach their maximum potential.” During these challenging times
for education, the Pleasanton community needs a School Board Trustee who
has the leadership, experience, and passion to do what is right for the kids. Visit
www.electvaleriearkin.com for more information.
