Nominate Me For Menlo Park City School Board

I want to be considered for the board.

I agree with the fiscally responsible decision to conserve taxpayer money by appointing a trustee rather than having a full election to fill the seat left vacant by . However, I want to emphasize the important opportunity we have to do so in an open process with an open selection of candidates that may come forward.

As I understand it, our Board will be complying with the California School Board Association's recommendation to advertise in the local media to solicit applications or nominations. I would like to state that as a candidate for Trustee on the ballot last November I am still interested in serving. Other than a sitting or past board member, I would be the only other person who has been proven to have widespread support -- over 2,700 votes from the general public.

An appointment rather than an election puts the decision entirely in the hands of the current Trustees on the Board of Education during a transition time. Doing so just one short month away from a new superintendent taking the helm is questionable. Perhaps it might have been in the best interest of our school district and a sign of respect for to time this differently.

We have an opportunity to make sure the important decisions we make are done so openly and inclusively. The changes and new challenges faced by the district should be addressed in a way that represents the whole population of students and the diverse community of people who live in Menlo Park. I feel that I am in the best position to do that based on my background in business and law plus my stated objectives of balanced representation for all students.

Sincerely,

Ana Uribe-Ruiz