Brisbane Elementary School DistrictCandidate for Board MemberShort Term

I have lived in Brisbane since 2001.  I am married to Leanne Borgehsi, for 20 years.  I am blessed to be followed around wherever I go, by my service dog and companion, Angel.  I am a Brisbane Lion, currently chair the Brisbane Park and Rec Commission and I am a part of the founding citizens and organizations that formed the Brisbane Community Response Coalition.  http://tinyurl.com/brisbanecrc 

I have my B.S. Physical Education and have been teaching for 37 years.  I was Nationally Board Certified in 2008 and then re-certified in 2018.  I have a M.A. in Teaching and Curriculum Design.   I present throughout the United States, mainly to educators, about the importance of movement and exercise as it relates to the brain and Learning. 

I founded Rhythm and Moves, (Physical Education and Music Education) 36 years ago and am very grateful to be currently working with over 50 California Credentialed Physical Educators and Music Educators. When the pandemic pushed us to distance learning, we were able to provide a standards based curriculum to our students in the safety of their home. Currently, I am developing a standards based curriculum that is being taught on the virtual platform.

We are in unprecedented times.   This pandemic is a catalyst for change and growth, a positive opportunity if we look at it that way.  During my 37 years as an educator, I have grown the most during the most challenging times.  We cannot in fact, rise strong without first having a place to rise from! Growth happens out of the comfort zone, and boy are these times out of our collective comfort zone. 

The introduction of virtual/distance learning is highlighting the inequities in our current education system. We need to build new education models that give ALL students equal opportunities to learn and develop into citizens who are inspired to leave the Brisbane Elementary School District communities better than they found them.  

I believe my experience in both education and business gives me a unique perspective about schools and learning. I would like to contribute to the discussion about the future of education in Brisbane. This is an opportunity to expand on the brilliant things we already do, examine and remediate the inequities in our system, and collaborate together to discover what education will look like through covid and beyond.