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Reelect David Cohen to the Berryesssa School Board
 
 

 
 
 
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I am a product of public education and hold a PhD from UC Berkeley. As the father two young children, I have observed how much kids love learning new things, and our system needs to harness that enthusiasm. To that end, I believe it is important to pursue the following goals.

  • Make sure that testing requirements do not excuse us from finding creative ways to guarantee the success of each child in our diverse student body.
  • Teachers must be properly rewarded and compensated for their crucial work.
  • Schools must have courses in art, industrial arts, and music, so that every student will have an opportunity to excel.
  • Strong counseling programs are needed so that children at all capability levels will be properly supported.

Unfortunately, difficult budgetary times have made it very hard to do more than focus on survival and have made it challenging to expand anything traditionally viewed as extras in the schools. During my 3+ years on the Berryessa School Board, our districts students have achieved great successes. District scores are up and 11 of our 13 schools are now scoring above 800 on statewide testing. Two more schools have received prestigious Distinguished Schools Designation. This was done while budgets have been cut. I have made sure that the needs of our students are always foremost in our minds as difficult choices are made.

It is important that our school board works well together and also serves as a strong, independent body, asking tough questions and demanding accountability from school administration. The current members of the Board have shown their faith in me by electing me to two consecutive terms as Board President. During these difficult fiscal times, steady leadership is essential in order to set and follow through on the most important priorities for our children.

I spearheaded the expansion of local financial support for our district by leading the effort to pass a local Parcel Tax (Measure W), which was supported by over 72% of our community in 2008.

I am proud to be supported by our community's local leaders, including Mayor Reed, Councilman Chu, and Supervisor Cortese. These three role models recognize the dedication that I have toward the children of Berryessa and also appreciate the fiscal responsibility that I push for as we try to get the most we can out of our education dollars.

David Cohen for School Board | 867 Cape Verde Place, San Jose, CA 95133
© Copyright 2010, David Cohen