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Dear
Friends:
I am grateful for the enormous community and teacher support for
my election to the Newport Mesa School District Governing Board of
Trustees. I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue serving my
community in this new capacity. I've al ways
said that "great schools create great communities." We have good
schools, but the bar can be set higher to turn our good schools
into great schools, providing first class education to all
students. Our two cities will benefit by the improvements.
After
much thought and consideration, I have decided that it is in the
best interests of the community for me to resign my City Council
seat on December 14, 2010 when I am sworn in as a new member of the
NMUSD Governing Board. Although I am confident that the legal
hurdles can be overcome, it will continue to cause our Costa Mesa
community to be wrapped up in turmoil. Instead of fighting the
legal challenges, I feel it is in the best interests of the
community for me to show leadership by immediately begin working to
positively impact our schools. This decision was not easy. I am
humbled by the overwhelming support of those who emailed and posted
on my Facebook page requesting that I hold both seats. In the end,
after consultation with family, friends, and city leaders, I feel I
can better serve our community by moving on.
 I am not leaving the City of Costa Mesa; it is my
family's home. My husband works here, our children attend our
neighborhood public schools and play sports here too. My
relationships with the City of Costa Mesa, its staff, and business
leaders will benefit me in my new role.
I ran to improve transparency between the District and community,
modernize technology skills training across the district, reduce
the achievement gap, and enhance
our theatre and sports facilities. I've already started work on
your behalf.
My proposal to stream the NMUSD Board Meetings on the City of
Costa Mesa website is in the works now, and will allow greater
access to Newport Beach and Costa Mesa residents.
I will also be requesting that the Costa Mesa Sp orts
Fields Master Plans for Costa Mesa High School, Davis, and Tewinkle
be agendized for the January school board meeting. While there is
no current funding source for this project, we must have a plan to
raise the capital. Implementation of these plans will transform
the schools and surrounding neighborhoods positively.
As a planning tool, I will be requesting an inventory of all
technology equipment and resources at every school site. Our
students and teachers must keep pace with changes in technology at
every school in the district. To be successful in the marketplace
and in college, students must have access to modern technology and
skills training.
Finally, in an effort to consistently address the needs of our
families, teachers, and staff, I will be creating a "wish list"
feature on my website where students, parents, staff,
and the
community can post items. These items will be sorted and help me
to identify priorities in my Trustee Area which is the Costa Mesa
High School Zone, but also throughout the District. I plan to host
quarterly community meetings to provide progress updates, previews
of things to come, and an opportunity for the community to voice
concerns.
I am honored that the voters allowed me to serve them for the last
6 years as a council member. Our Costa Mesa community will
experience many changes during the next few months. The new city
council will also be choosing a new city manager, fire chief, and
other key positions. The economy will continue to limit plans for
our community's future. I hope that the residents of Costa Mesa
will trust me in knowing that your city employees, whether at City
Hall, in the parks, on the police beat, or firehouse, care deeply
about the city and its residents. They give 110% every day and
spend most of their lives right here in the city. Please support
them as they  do
you during these difficult times. I encourage more residents to
get involved, participate on city committees, attend or watch the
meetings, and help shape the community you live
in. We need you.
I hope you will join me as we begin this new adventure. I need you
as my partner. I look forward to joining the current board
members, and I'm ready to get to work on behalf our our schools and
community. I hope I can count on your help.
Respectfully,
Katrina Foley
949-244-9010
www.katrinafoley.com |
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