In 2010 when my service on the Board of Education began, Chico Unified had just begun the slow climb out of budget and program cuts. The passage of new legislation created the Local Control Funding Formula (LCAP) and new state standards were being developed to replace the federal “No Child Left Behind” act. 

Today our budget is balanced, we have three year agreements with all employees, enrollment is up, scores are improving and thanks to the passage of bond measures E and K, a new stadium was opened at Chico High with PV soon to follow.  Three elementary schools are being partially or totally remodeled and parent support is active and positive.

With thoughtful deliberate action I have supported restoration of Arts and Music, expansion of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) programs from Elementary through high school.  More students are accessing Advanced Placement classes and our Continuing Education Program is a highly regarded model statewide.

With your support I will continue to work to strengthen those areas that continue to require additional focused attention so all CUSD students graduate with the foundation they need to be career and/or college ready.

Kathleen E. Kaiser, PhD

BA in Social Sciences, Florida State University, 1968

MA in Sociology, Duke University, 1970

PhD in Sociology, Duke University, 1979

Sociology Professor, Chico State University, 1972-2016

At CSUC, I served in various administrative and leadership positions including the following: Assistant Coach for Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams; Associate Dean; Department Chair; Academic Senator; Statewide Academic Senator; Chair of the General Education Committee; and I was the first female Faculty Trustee for the CSU (2003-05). I retired as Emeritus Academic Senator and Emeritus Professor in 2016.

My term on the CUSD School Board began in 2006. I am currently in my 3rd term. I am running again hoping to complete the major renovation that was started with the voter’s approval of our school bonds. Our goal is to modernize all our schools and upgrade all technology with the capacity to support the increasing number of students we are attracting. During my term the District has survived the near disaster of the 2008 recession which placed the district under difficult budgetary constraints and a declining school population. We now have a strong relationship with the unions and the community through a vibrant LCAP (assessment including parent and student feedback). CUSD students are increasing their skills as measured by the mandated Common Core Standardized testing and recognition at local, state, and national levels for Career Technical Education and leadership and performance in the Arts and Athletics. 

I served the CUSD Board as a Trustee for 12 years. I have served as President, VP, and Clerk. While on the Board, CUSD has emerged as a leading school district in the north state. During my term, CUSD schools have won recognition at the local, state and national level in athletics, Career Technical Education, the performing arts and leadership. With community bonds and engagement in LCAP, CUSD conducted a multi-year modernization campaign including the following: building new athletic stadiums; new science labs and classrooms; new playgrounds, classrooms, and multi-purpose rooms; and enhanced technology connections. The Board has invested in planning to effectively accommodate the increase in students while also staying current with new academic and career skills. As a Board member, I support our teachers and our staff with leadership and development in the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core, technology in the classroom and having fully qualified teachers and outstanding leadership at each of our schools and at the District. It is my goal for the next four years to continue this improvement and build out our district. With your support that is my pledge to you.

I would like to thank voters for electing me to serve for the past four years. If re-elected, I will continue the work and goals established during my term:
*Chico Unified voters passed a bond in the last election - Measure K. With the success of the bond, trustees immediately updated the Facilities Master Plan and began updating our outdated facilities with new buildings, technology, security and athletic fields. Charter schools also benefited as trustees shared funding with them. 
*Labor relations are at an all-time high. For the first time in the history of CUSD, a 3 year contractual agreement between both unions was reached without going through the state arbitration process.
*Classroom achievements include higher test scores, graduation rates, and school attendance. 
*The addition of Elementary School Counselors has been very successful and helpful to families.
*The district has recently established 5 School Resource Police Officers for campuses.
*My experience as a Business Owner and Career Technology Educator has helped create more career pathways for students.
As an effective board member I will work to establish new polices and remove outdated ones, improve transparency and remain fiscally responsible.