Candidate Outlines Goals

| August 13, 2020   Access Original Publication:
https://www.toacorn.com/articles/candidate-outlines-goals/

Now more than ever our schools need leaders who can navigate through challenges without losing sight of what is truly important—the education of our children.

I’m excited to announce that I have officially qualified to run for the CVUSD Board of Education seat in Westlake (Area 1).

As a trustee, I believe I can play a critical role in helping our schools move beyond this crisis and thrive. I’ve spent the past 18 years as a parent volunteer and leader within the CVUSD and community. I have worked alongside and provided feedback to parents, teachers, students, administrators and staff which helped improve the educational and co-curricular experience of every student.

I served on the executive boards of parent support organizations at three Westlake campuses. I have been a district advisory council representative and school site council member. Currently, I sit on the Measure I Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee, and I am an appointed commissioner on the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging, a community group that advises the City Council on the needs of senior adults.

But I bring to the board more than just my district knowledge and community experience. I bring a set of business skills and an approach to problem-solving that will be a critical asset in the months and years to come. I have an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Three primary issues underscore my vision: Ensure educational opportunity and success for every student. Foster a positive environment which considers the physical and mental health of students. Provide effective and efficient board management and fiscal oversight.

The pandemic has made achieving these goals more difficult, yet even more important. Experienced, knowledge-based leadership and a collaborative approach will ensure that our schools overcome these challenges and continue to be a source of community pride.

I will be ready to tackle these issues on day one.

Karen Sylvester
Westlake Village