Candidate statement for GUSD board: Mark Good

Published in the October 19 – 25, 2016 issue of Gilroy Life

By Mark Good

Mark Good

I believe that our children’s future success lies in their ability to have access to high quality public education. We need to help them prepare for college and/or the workplace so that they can be successful. The old way of doing things does not work in this modern economy. I have lived and worked in Gilroy for more than 36 years, first as a police officer and later as an attorney. I believe that both my former and current occupations have provided me with a unique skill set to help our district and schools excel. All five of my children and both grandchildren have attended Gilroy’s public schools.

Since my election to the board in 2008, test scores have risen significantly and the dropout rate has been reduced from a high point of 26 percent in 2008 to 7.5 percent in 2015. AP classes offered in our high schools have doubled during the last seven years and eight of our schools have received the highest recognition for excellence by the State. GECA has also been named several times as one of the best high schools in the United States. The current GUSD board is diverse and works extremely well together.

I have fought to keep music and art programs in our district as they are not “luxury” subjects, but rather a staple, like mathematics and English and are necessary to provide our children with a well-rounded education. For that same reason, I pressed for implementation of a high school graduation requirement that each student perform 80 hours of volunteer service. This exposure will be invaluable to them as young adults.

Vocational education and fiscal responsibility are top priorities. Over a period of several years and through the work of the district contract subcommittee I served on, we have streamlined the contracting process reducing hundreds of work hours while ensuring protection of the district. A final priority has been safety. In conjunction with the police department, all schools have been made more safe and secure by implementing policies, procedures, and capital improvements including the installation of security fencing around all schools.

I believe that I have what it takes to keep moving our schools forward, keep our children safe and provide the infrastructure necessary to allow our children to become vital, successful and contributing members of our community. I hope that you agree, and respectfully request your support.