Schools

Meet the LVUSD School Board Candidates: Mary Jo Ammon

As previously reported in Patch,there are five candidates currently running for three seats on the Las Virgenes Unified School District school board: Lesli Stein, the incumbent, Angela Cutbill, Dallas Lawrence, Mary Jo Ammon and Ray Pearl.

Patch has sent out a questionnaire* to each of the candidates, and we will be reporting on their individual responses.

We profile Mary Jo Ammon, who moved into the community with her husband, Dennis, and three children specifically for the schools, she said. Her sons attended Las Virgenes Schools and took advantage of many of the extras the district offers, including sports, music, technology and art programs. She has worked at the A.E. Wright Media Center, running the media center for the last four years.

Find out what's happening in Agoura Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: Why are you running for school board?

Mary Jo Ammon: I am running for the Las Virgenes Unified School Board because of my belief in the importance of public education. I have an enormous sense of affiliation and admiration for our school community, and I have been proud to be part of LVUSD. I have been involved with the district for almost 20 years, as a parent volunteer, community leader and an employee for the district. I want to use my knowledge and expertise to give back, to ensure that all students receive a quality education and that they continue to benefit from the abundance of opportunities that my sons received.  

Patch: What do you think are some of the biggest issues the district will face during your first term if you are elected?

Ammon: I believe it's essential to continue to emphasize options for our students, and opportunities for new programming, like L-STEM at Sumac, IB at Agoura High School and the Media Academy at Calabasas High School, to name a few. These types of programs are good for students as they enrich the learning experience. They also help to attract and maintain students, which is important as we face declining enrollment.

Common Core State Standards is a huge change for all schools. We need to prepare our staff through professional development opportunities, educate our community, and maintain a focus on technology to be prepared for the full implementation of Common Core and work to more fully integrate technology into the classroom.
Adopting a fiscally responsible budget is always a challenge, working towards finding the balance between fiscal stability, while maintaining quality programs, and low class size is a priority. 

Patch: Why am I qualified to serve on the school board?

Ammon: As a community leader and district employee I have built strong relationships and earned the trust of parents, teachers, students, and community members and leaders. I understand the issues and values of our community, and I will be able to work collaboratively and garner support from the various stakeholders. I have twenty years of experience serving on educational executive boards, and my sons have attended LVUSD schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. I understand the challenges of both elementary and secondary education, the importance of vertical teaming and the broad understanding of how elementary and secondary are interconnected. I know how to listen to others, identify important issues and work together to identify and implement solutions. I have worked extensively on school budget issues, experience that will be invaluable to me as a board member.

Patch: What is the first thing you would do if elected:

Find out what's happening in Agoura Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ammon: Visit our school sites and meet with the various stakeholders to expand my understanding of their concerns and needs.

Patch: What are your ideas for generating additional funding for our district:

Ammon: Support and grow T.H.E. Foundation. I was part of the Alternative Revenue Generating Committee from which T.H.E. Foundation was formed. We want to continue to develop a strong foundation capable of raising millions for our district, as we have seen happen in some of our neighboring districts. The present foundation board has made great strides in accomplishing this, but we need to involve local schools, business and community members to move us to the next level. As a community we all benefit from the excellent reputation of our schools. Our community has many exceptional individuals who can assist with outreach to businesses, grant writing and new fundraising ideas. As a board member, I will work to enlist community and business support for T.H.E. Foundation and our district. 


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