Carol Gittens – Child studies professor says she has experience to lead

Published in the October 10 – 23, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Carol Gittens

Every school in MHUSD should have the educators, staff, programs, facilities, and resources to provide a rich and effective learning environment for our children. My core values align with the Morgan Hill Unified School District’s educational values of social justice, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, well-being, and achievement. As a school board trustee, I will provide positive leadership to build on the successes of our district. I will work to enhance MHUSD through fiscal responsibility, collaboration, effective governance, advocacy, and accountability.

I have a depth of experience unique and well suited to the role of trustee. I am a professor of child studies and urban education at Santa Clara University. For 25 years I have mentored alumni as teachers, administrators, counselors, and child advocates. I am a well-established scholar who studies students’ critical thinking, motivation, mathematics and literacy. I partner with schools and community initiatives to improve workforce development and enhance educational opportunity for all student groups. My expertise in learning assessment, program evaluation, accreditation and accountability systems, and oversight of budgets, affords me a deep understanding and respect for the fiduciary responsibility held by the school board.

I am a proud parent of a third-grader and a volunteer in the district. I serve as a youth basketball coach and as an academic tutor for student athletes who struggle to remain college eligible. I volunteer with nonprofits that partner with schools to feed, clothe, educate, offer legal counseling, provide health appraisals and referrals, and give housing assistance to children and families. As a trustee I will build bridges and pursue strategies to increase funding streams into the district to enrich children’s lives.

Every child deserves a high-quality education, and to feel safe and cared for. As Area 4 Trustee I will work for the educational benefit and well-being of all our children. Visit VoteCarolGittens.com and choose Carol Gittens Nov. 6.