Lisa Talley Dean for CUSD

So what do I stand for? As a product of public schools and being the first in my family to graduate from college, I have experienced first-hand how critically important public education is in improving and changing lives. First and foremost, we must put students' interests above all others, and prioritize academic excellence on all campuses. Ensuring that CUSD offers an enriching and rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking and provides the very best teachers available to all students (whether on track for a four-year university, a vocational/trade program or other) is my top priority. I support maximizing the opportunities our students have to participate in competitive sports; music and the arts; math, science and writing competitions; robotics, mock trial and more. I support solidifying and strengthening CUSD’s alliances with college admissions offices across the country and internationally to increase opportunities for graduates and help them get to where they want to go. If elected, I will be proactive in searching for opportunities to incorporate best practices into our district to achieve this priority.

From the time our children started River School, I became actively involved in the school community. Over the years my involvement has included: volunteering in the classroom when the kids were small (math tables, reading with children, writing assistance); two-year member of the River School Site Council (which tackled important homework initiatives); co-founder/originator of the “TUF” fundraising campaign (at River); co-founder of the Carmel Home Tour to benefit Carmel schools; acting as room mom; chaperoning overnight field trips for River, CMS and CHS; River School PTA board member; volunteer on the CMS Serve-a-Thon; FOCUS supporter; and current board member of the CUSD Music Boosters. On multiple occasions I have attended CUSD board meetings and advocated on behalf of students when important issues have arisen. Committing some of my time to CUSD over the past several years is something I have been, and remain, passionate about. I am a proud supporter of public education and want to pay forward some of the privileges I now enjoy as result of my own education.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sept. 26, 2018 from 5:30-7:00 pm at 26455 Via Mallorca, Carmel Valley! Please RSVP to Ian Martin at [email protected] if you plan to attend.