Scott Barr
Ledyard Hakes
Brenda Kracht
Bruce Shepherd
Here is what Brenda Kracht had to say:
1. Tell us about yourself. What’s your ‘Coronado story’ ?
I arrived in Coronado from New Jersey in 1966 as the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant that was offered at the Naval Electronics Laboratory in Point Loma. After marrying, I moved to Coronado in the fall of 1968. My husband, Larry, and I have been homeowners in Coronado since 1974. We have raised six children in this community and also enjoy the gift of seven grandchildren. I have been an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and instructed twenty years of RCIA candidates. I was a member of the Coronado Junior Women’s Club and am a past president of that organization. As a member of the Fourth of July Parade Committee, I currently specialize in inviting our honored guests and I coordinate the reserved bleacher seating for donors. I have recently retired from teaching mathematics at Coronado High School and continue to teach at San Diego Mesa College in the mathematics department.
2. Why is running for School Board important to you?
These are challenging times for local school districts. My hope is, even in retirement, to continue to take an active role in enriching the Coronado Unified School District.
3. What qualifies you to be on School Board?
In 1962, I embarked on a career in education. In the ensuing years, I have had the privilege of teaching students ranging from second grade through the junior college level. During those years as a professional educator, I have gained insight, experience and a strong desire to serve others.
Some of my many activities during my tenure as a Coronado teacher have included serving on the budget, salary negotiations, and district strategic plan committees. I have actively participated for two years in the 21st Century learning workshops (TIDES) with CUSD board members, administrators and teacher leaders. I have also served on WASC study committees at Coronado High School. I offer to the Coronado community my time, energy and expertise if elected as a member of the Coronado School Board.
4. What are the top 3 issues that Coronado schools face today and how will you work at solving them?
Number one – FINANCES
I will continue to actively participate in studying budget issues by attending the monthly budget committee meetings. I believe we must continue to research grants, corporate support, endowments and benefactors and I will support efforts to do so. The time has come for Coronado to be able to fund our outstanding educational system without constantly being negatively affected by state budgets that inadequately and randomly provide financing.
Number two CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF AN EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE THAT INDIVIDUALIZES EDUCATION
Since students live in a global community of education, it is critical that our schools utilize excellent teachers, resources, and technology to make attending school a serious and engaging priority for each and every child. We need to surpass our global competitors by teaching children to think and collaborate rather than memorize facts that can be researched at a keystroke on multiple computer devices. Our Coronado graduate must be competent in the fundamental skills of “reading, writing, and arithmetic” and not be a member of the 40% of college entering freshmen that must enroll in remedial classes when he/she arrives on campus. My role as a board member is to be an active and informed supporter of research, development, financing and design of the future classroom in these rapidly changing times.
Number three INCREASING COMMUNICATION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The supportive parent, teachers, and the community form the basis of a successful and stimulating educational experience for a student. I support the life-long learner experience both by being an enthusiastic example and by encouraging continued improvements in the ways and means to accomplish increased communication and additional opportunities for collaboration. Increased communication and collaboration at all levels will, hopefully, assist in diminishing and preventing the damage caused our vulnerable youth by bullying, misuse of drugs, and other negative factors.
5. What do you want voters to remember about you when they go to cast their vote?
I have a strong work ethic and my goals are to enrich and sustain an excellent education for ALL students. Please contact me at [email protected] if you desire additional information. Thank you, Brenda
