Berkeley Unified School District Website

Candidates Statement from 2006 ballot:
As a decade-long parent volunteer, and a corporate CFO with BA and MBA degrees from Cal as well as a CPA license, I ran for the Board four years ago to reestablish financial integrity to the District. The District was on the brink of State takeover and change was required so that our teachers could focus on our children, not on fiscal crisis. During my term we: balanced complex lean budgets and retained local control of our schools; established an audit committee and received clean audits; expanded small schools and programs under strong collaborative leadership at Berkeley High; instituted more rigorous data driven school achievement plans with clearer goals and accountability; and defended and strengthened our commitment to school integration. I will continue to work to advance quality public education for all children by: expanding teacher training; supporting programs that lower barriers to learning; bolstering an open and transparent budget process that reflects the values and priorities of our community; and by ensuring that resources are focused on student achievement. To ensure stable and continuing resources for our children, please join me in supporting the renewal of the Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act (BSEP) this November!

 -- Nancy Riddle