TIM TOM on the ISSUES

As a trustee, Tim Tom's record and experience ensures an informed and committed Board Member capable of representing the best interests of students, teachers, parents, administrators and the community as a whole.

My Priorities Include:

• Creating a Cohesive Network of Support for Students

Focus on the Issues: NETWORK OF SUPPORT (One Page Summary on Issue / Adobe PDF File)
Through my work on the Youth Commission for the City of San Jose and on the Project Cornerstone Steering Committee, I have witnessed first hand the power of the "developmental assets." Developmental Assets are the positive relationships, opportunities, values, and skills that provide the foundation for a healthy, successful future. Through Project Cornerstone's work within our community with numerous School Boards and schools, the City of San Jose was named as one of the 100 best communities for young people by America's Promise. For more information on Project Cornerstone and the Developmental Assets, please visit www.projectcornerstone.org

• Focusing on Mental Health with Counselors and Teachers

Focus on the Issues: COUNSELORS (One Page Summary on Issue / Adobe PDF File)
Youth need a network of support through their journey in education. Educational environments should be supportive and students should be made aware of the resources and opportunities available to them. Counselors, and often teachers who take on the role as counselors play an integral role in helping students through difficult times. Education needs to focus on the WHOLE student.

• Ensuring Equitable Distribution of Resources & Opportunities across Oak Grove Schools

Focus on the Issues: SCHOOL BUDGET (One Page Summary on Issue / Adobe PDF File) Trustees must ensure equity of distribution, equity of opportunity and equity of resources. This is owed to every student in this district. Each and every student deserves the same opportunity and resources that other students recieve regardless of their location. Each and every budget dollar represents our students and their opportunities. We must focus on providing a safe learning environment that strives for educational and academic excellence. We must support teachers, nutrition needs, before and after school programming, special education and immersion programs in the District.

• Recruiting & Retaining Faculty, Staff & Administrators

Focus on the Issues: PERSONNEL (One Page Summary on Issue / Adobe PDF File)
School staff should be fully supported in what they have been called to do. The resources needed for our educational stewards must be provided to ensure that we are educating individuals for tomorrow's future. This includes resources both inside classrooms for teaching and outside classrooms in their own life allowing them to support themselves. In today's competitive job market, it is hard to attract and retain quality and talented employees. Trustees must focus part of their time and energy focusing on the needs of their employees. School staff should be recognized as being a critical and valuable part of the district.

If you have any questions or issues and concerns that you would like clarified, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I would be honored and humbled to have your support.

Sincerely,

Tim Tom
Candidate, Oak Grove School District