Candidate Platform by Kevin Alfaro

I’m running for the school board of the St. Helena Unified School District because I believe that we have a great school district, but that it can be even better by incorporating more fiscal responsibility, community interaction, transparency, accountability and independence.

As a member of the school board, I would provide fiscal responsibility and oversight regarding our district’s $22 million budget.

As a certified public accountant and a local community bank board member, I understand numbers and budgets. I’ve devoted numerous hours to learning the fiscal demands and responsibilities of a public educational institution. I’ve done this by poring through our district’s 151-page budget document and conducting independent research to gain a full understanding of what our district needs.

I’ve also taken the time to ask district and county officials questions. I’m ready for the continued challenge to learn more about the process, especially as our state continues to look for ways to cut precious dollars from our budget.

As a board member, I’ll work to put more money in the teachers’ hands to educate our kids by reducing administrative bloat. From my own research, and information recently published in the Star by a community member as well as our district’s CBO, it’s very apparent that we have room for cost savings regarding administrative expenses. In spite of our declining enrollment, our administrative costs continue to soar while some of our kids’ programs have been cut and will be subject to further cuts.

Now is the time to reexamine our fiscal priorities. We need to prepare our district for the difficult economic times ahead and I would like to be involved in that process. Part of that process includes staying informed about Basic Aid legislation. As California continues to feel pressure to reduce the deficit, education and, in particular, Basic Aid districts like ours are in jeopardy of losing funds. The board and the administration need to stay active and informed on this issue and I intend to do just that.

If elected to the board, I’ll engage the community through open dialogue and promote board meetings where public comments are considered in the decision making process. I believe that board meetings can be an opportunity for give and take with the community. Unfortunately, the current procedures regarding board meetings don’t take advantage of this opportunity.

The board meetings should invite open dialogue with the community by allowing people to speak and interact with board members at the appropriate time. I would help make this process more inviting and assist in establishing guidelines and deadlines for board responses to community questions.

As a member of the board, I’ll ask administrators the tough questions and keep the administration accountable in order to promote a board that leads rather than follows.

I’ll approach board matters with thoroughness and intellectual curiosity, and ask constructive and productive questions when the opportunity arises.

I’ll make it a priority that all recommendations by the administration have clearly stated objectives and are supported by factual data.

I also believe a board member needs to go beyond asking the administration for the answers, and that independent fact-finding and problem-solving are critical attributes of a board member. I would therefore also take steps to independently verify the information provided by the administration. Additionally, if a recommendation of the administration is subsequently approved, I will follow up to determine if the desired outcome has been accomplished.

While I believe in the importance of working together with people to achieve a common goal, I also feel that it’s extremely important to incorporate independent thoughts and ideas into the process. I intend to vote independently and act with transparency if elected to the board. Board members should be able to clearly explain the reasons behind why they voted for or against an issue.

I believe that I’m qualified to sit on our school board. I have children who attend St. Helena public schools. I’ve spent my entire working life as a business person/CPA, which gives me added insight into what the term “fiscal responsibility” means.

For the last seven years, I’ve been the treasurer of the Boys and Girls Club. I also currently sit on the boards of Napa Community Bank, RLS Parent Group and Napa Valley Wine Library Association.

I’d be truly honored to serve on the St. Helena school board. I look forward to meeting you and answering questions. I can be reached at 707-318-9494 or kevin@gjscollp.com.

Why Alfaro's Counter-Sued

Kevin Alfaro, candidate for a school board seat in the Nov '09 election, had a letter in the Star this week clearly explaining the "lawsuit" with the district. (below).

WHY ALFAROS COUNTER-SUED

Thursday, August 06, 2009 St Helena Star

Editor: There has been talk recently regarding my family’s legal issues with the district. I’m committed to running for Jim Haslip’s seat and, since there are unfounded rumors being spread about this matter, I feel the need to set the record straight.

• On Nov. 7, 2008, the district filed suit against us because we decided to move our child from the SHUSD to another school that could meet her needs. Before filing suit, the district refused to discuss a meaningful resolution with us. We were then forced to hire an attorney.

• To protect our child’s educational rights and preserve some important administrative rights, we subsequently had to counter-file in the district’s lawsuit. The district proposed that we waive some of our administrative rights. We didn’t agree, since we felt it necessary to try to meet and work this out so that no one had to waste time and money on lawyers.

• The district refused mediation. We were told by a top district official, “I don’t believe in mediation.”

Ten days before the hearing, the district tendered a written offer to settle the matter. We accepted. They acknowledged receipt of our acceptance. The next day, the district unlawfully withdrew the offer.

• The hearing lasted 10 days. We lost most issues, but won one. According to statistics, districts win 9 out of 10 of these sorts of hearings. The cards were stacked in the district’s favor. They knew it, and we didn’t have a choice.

• On July 14, we filed a claim against the district concerning their unlawful withdrawal of the settlement offer. The July 14 document is what the district recently gave the Star. Unfortunately, that document contained confidential information regarding our child. The district could have easily edited out this information to protect our child, but chose not to do so.

All district children deserve respect and a right to representation. More personal attacks will be made about whether it’s appropriate for someone to sue the district and then run for the board. I’m prepared and have nothing to hide.

Kevin Alfaro