BOB FASS FOR CLAREMONT SCHOOL BOARD

CUSD is fortunate to have a track record of stability and a supportive community that has demonstrated a commitment to invest in capital needs and infrastructure. Building on the success and progress of recent years, I intend to strengthen those relationships and provide continuity through collaboration and thoughtful governance.

My Priorities:

Responsible management of taxpayer dollars – Upcoming financial challenges will necessitate thoughtful and strategic planning to maximize value to our students and minimize disruption. I am determined to work with district staff and fellow board members to be proactive and prudent in budgeting and identifying cost savings. I want to be sure that we solve our problems with sensible, long-term solutions.

Health and safety – The health and safety of the students we serve and the teachers and staff who support them is essential. I look forward to working with public health officials, public safety officials, health care professionals, staff, and parents to ensure that we follow the well-researched guidelines and offer the most current and comprehensive resources and protections possible to maintain safe, and secure, and healthy campuses. My top concerns include Covid-19, cyber safety, bullying, stress management, suicide prevention, drug abuse, and campus safety.

Equity and inclusion – It is essential to me that the district foster an inclusive sense of community that meets the needs of students of all identities, backgrounds and abilities. To accomplish this, the district must examine institutional practices such as use of police, de-escalation strategies, restorative justice, counseling, exclusionary discipline, hiring practices and inclusive curriculum.

Academic success for all students – I support expanding academic curricula to include: an optional IB (International Baccalaureate) program for 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades; increased vocational training through the Baldy View Regional Occupational Program and experiential learning opportunities in our schools and in our community; dual language immersion programs; core competencies such as communication, creativity, cross-cultural connections, and empathy through full implementation of the Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards; and an emphasis on STEM for all students, but especially for young women. Included in STEM, I support an emphasis on global climate change as well as best practices in sustainability.

Advocacy for increased public-school funding – I am outspoken in my belief that the per-pupil base funding for districts such as Claremont Unified is insufficient to fully meet the needs of our students, teachers, and programs. While I support supplemental funding for at-risk youth, I also believe that reform is necessary to bring California’s spending in better alignment with the nation after adjusting for differences in the cost of living in each state. I will work with state legislators and the California School Board Association to influence this critical adjustment including legislation such as Assembly Bill 39.

Parent and community connections – It is essential for the district and for board members to communicate clearly and often with parents in an effort to fully understand and improve the student experience, discuss expectations, and explore policy changes that can enhance academic and social-emotional outcomes. I want to leverage community resources such as Claremont After School Programs (CLASP), Claremont Educational Foundation (CEF), Tracks Activity Center (TAC) and Youth Activity Center (YAC), as well as service clubs, city leaders, and nonprofit partners to enhance opportunities for CUSD students. I am available now and in the future to listen and learn from the experiences and expertise of our parents. Please contact me at info@bobfass.com.

Teaching excellence, support services, and professional development – Teachers and staff are our greatest resources and our greatest opportunity for continued success. I pledge to provide leadership that values the recruitment, support and retention of the best talent available. To do so we must prioritize our budget to provide competitive compensation and benefits, professional development, and campus resources. Likewise, we must listen attentively and act on the feedback of those on the frontline of our educational experience. We must also innovate and empower our personnel to be bold and creative and to make full use of their intellect and abilities.

Promoting success beyond the classroom – CUSD students have access to a broad and diverse menu of extracurricular and co-curricular activities that extend beyond the academic day and enrich their learning and their abilities. I pledge to work with the coaches, teachers, parents and their booster groups, to provide support for activities that add value to the student experience and reinforce the education of the whole child.