Teachers, Classified Employees Endorse DiPaola, Gabby in Dixon School Board Race

In what’s been described as a “historic first,” both Dixon’s teachers and classified school employees have endorsed and for

“This is a first for us,” said Julie Felkins, co-president of the Dixon Teachers Association, “ we’ve never previously endorsed any candidate and have, for the most part, kind of stayed out of the political arena, but with these two candidates, we felt it was time to step up. In a way, for us Dixon Teachers it’s a historic moment.”

Dorene Youngs, co-president of the Classified School Employees Association agrees.

“In the past, we haven’t endorsed any candidates,” she said “but that was a mistake. Both Joe and John understand the need to spend our school dollars on the kids rather than on outside attorneys and consultants. They both want to concentrate on improving academic performance while maintaining a sound financial basis for the work that needs to be done.”

But is it historic?

“Well I guess it is,” said Youngs, laughing. “We’ve always been a little worried about getting involved. What happens if the person we support doesn’t win?”

What’s different this time, according to Youngs is: “We’ve seen what happens when the Board is fighting with each other or when it’s not taking care of business. We need to make sure the people we elect to oversee the District are capable and willing to do the job and more importantly, can work together for the common good. Both Joe and John are.”

DiPaola and Gabby both commented that it’s important for the Board members to work closely with those School District employees who are working directly with the kids.

Gabby—the incumbent—and DiPaola – local attorney and father of a Dixon USD student are two of the three candidates vying for the two open seats. Local Farmer and basketball coach is the third candidate vying for one of the two seats.

Those elected will serve as the Trustees of the Dixon Unified School District as well as the Dixon Library Board.

Info: Prepared press release