Shirley Carey: District faces facilities issue

RACE FOR HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Name: Shirley Carey

Age: 63

Occupation: Nursing consultant/health educator/writer

Family: Husband Jack; son Jason married to Julie; granddaughter

Riley; Son Jon married to Sabrina; and daughter Jennifer.

Community Activities: Twelve years on the Huntington Beach City

School District Board of Trustees, currently presiding as president;

leadership role in establishing the Youth Character Awards program,

the Pennies for Prevention campaign and the Declaration of Policy on

Children and Young Adults. At the county level, serving as chair of

the County Committee on School District Reorganization and president

of Orange County School Board Assn.

Education: Bachelor’s

Favorite leader: Colin Powell

Contact Information: (714) 968-7287 or by e-mail at

Scarey5000@aol.com.

CAREY ON:

* Student safety:

In many instances the safety of our children is directly related

to the social issues in the community. Since Huntington Beach is one

of the safest cities, the risk of physical injury in school is

relatively low. However, we need to remain vigilant to address issues

that occur periodically like bullying, drug use and child abuse.

Identifying safe routes to school for pedestrians and bicyclists, and

working with children to encourage safe practices when coming or

leaving school is a goal for this year. Parents also need to

recognize that their driving behavior puts children at risk when they

are speeding, parking inappropriately or are distracted by other

activities such as eating or talking on the phone.

* Raising student test scores

All students can learn and should be encouraged to reach their

personal best. Class size reduction has offered kindergarten through

third-grade students a unique opportunity to get a head start on

reading skills and math readiness. The district is addressing the

language needs of students with English as a second language through

early intervention during the school year and summer vacation.

Careful assessment and analysis helps teachers focus on specific

areas of need for all children. The staff development program in

language, math and science is top of the line and all of our teachers

are credentialed and committed to being sure the children succeed.

* Possible fiscal improvements to the district

Some parts of the budget remain difficult for community members to

understand without assistance. The district needs to continue to work

on making the fiscal reports user friendly. The budget process is

open and participation by community members, parents, staff and board

members is encouraged.

* Biggest issue facing the district

Facilities are the biggest issue for the district. Although it is

wonderful to have the funds available to upgrade the facilities, it

is a challenge to schedule the work in a manner that does not

interfere with educational programs. The administration is currently

working to develop a detailed timeline that will extend over a period

of three to four years and is based on input from individual school

sites. The board is discussing some the major areas of modernization

including the phone system. As an advocate for the citizens of this

community, a strong supporter of public education and a successful

proven leader.