Q&A with Atascadero School Board Candidate George Shoemaker
Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of Q&A’s for all candidates running for Atascadero School Board.
Q&A with Atascadero School Board Candidate Appointed Incumbent George Shoemaker
What motivates you to become a school board member?
I am motivated to be a school board member by my commitment to helping to ensure that our youth are given the tools and the guidance to help them be successful and productive members of society. I want better schools locally, not only for my children but for all children in our community.
What attributes are essential for successful school board members?
The attributes that are essential for a successful school board member are the same attributes necessary for any leadership position. First, they must be good listeners. We have to know what our constituents are concerned with, and their thoughts on all matters relevant to school operations. Second, we must be able to understand the terminology and workings of a governmental institution. This includes an above basic understanding of budgets and policy. Third, a commitment to getting to know what is actually happening at each educational site and the people involved at those sites. Fourth, a commitment to developing the best policies to help all students reach their potential. This means having no perceived biases against any groups or individuals. Lastly, a healthy dose of compassion for children. We have to be committed to doing the best we can with the resources we have. That means trying our best to find out what is effective and what is not.
What is your vision for education in the community?
My vision for education in our community is centered around institutions. I think each school should be a place of pride and a center of the social community. I want our teachers and administrators to take pride in their schools and for our students and parents to feel welcomed and cared for. Schools should be safe but also vibrant places where the need of all students can be met and the student can be challenged and enriched academically.
How does the school board decide what is important?
The school board decides what is important by listening to our constituents and our hired administrators, who we have to have trust in. These are our eyes and ears into each issue and situation. It is important though not to only hear from those who speak loudly or are only motivated by a particular agenda.
What is your education background?
My educational background is a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Geography from Sonoma State University and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Cal Poly SLO. I have fifteen years of teaching experience at the high school level. I have teaching credentials in both social science and physical education. Prior to the school board, I was on the Atascadero Unified School District bond oversight committee.
Do you represent the school system or the community?
As a school board member, I represent both the school system and the community. As a school board member, we are the face of the district to the community. We serve both the school district (students and employees) and the taxpayers of the community by being good stewards of our tax dollars.
What have you accomplished in regards to school-related situations that make you a good candidate?
As a school board member, I have tried to be actively involved in getting to know what is going on at our schools. I have educated myself on budget-related items and worked to improve my skills as a community representative. I have visited school sites on a regular basis and talked to students, teachers, and parents to find out what issues they need help with. I have advocated for teachers for increased supervision on campuses, and for increased academic achievement at all sites.
Can you comment on recent disciplinary issues within the school district, and how would you resolve them?
There are two distinct groups that we as trustees need to address for disciplinary issues. Teachers, administrators, and classified staff are one group that is entitled to fair and full due process, but also must adhere to high standards for professional behavior. Students are the other group. Students need to understand expectations and consequences for their behaviors. Disciplinary issues with both groups are addressed with trying to direct the appropriate behavior and at the same time adhere to the highest standards we can reach.
What are some of the issues facing AUSD?
The most pressing issues facing the Atascadero Unified School District fall into three areas. First is the need to connect with and challenge all students so that they can reach their potential. We need to do more to bring up academic achievement especially in the area of mathematics. We also need to expand our vocational education programs and increase public/private partnerships to facilitate training programs in these areas. Second is to figure out how to do more with the limited financial resources we are given from the state and the federal government. We receive some of the lowest funding of the local school districts. The third is a combination of the first two. This is the difficult task of dealing with an expanding special education population and yet receiving very limited funding to handle the special needs of these students. Currently, we spend over twice what the state and federal governments provide to fund the programs that they mandate. This means there are fewer resources that can go into other areas.
