I taught for 38 years in the Willits Unified School District. I attended Butte College and CSU-Chico. I have been married for 39 years to my husband Don, born and raised in Willits. His is a graduate of Willits High along with our three children; Courtney, Austin, and Salem.
As a parent, teacher, and community member I have volunteered in many capacities to enrich the experiences of my own children and the community as a whole. In the 40 years that I've lived in Willits I have coached T-ball through Willits Little League, Soccer through Willits Youth Soccer, volunteeed for the Willits Otters Swim team in many capacities, including 22 years of service as an official at swim meets for both the club and high school teams. I coached Odyssey of the Mind for 12 years. I currently volunteer as a Poll Worker for the local voting precincts.
When I first came to Willits in 1978, the employment structure was much different. high school students had jobs waiting for them once they graduated, but things have changed. A college education and vocationl education after high school is becoming more important in the work force of today. All avenues of continuing education after high school are valuable. Our school systems must continue to serve this need by offering courses for both trade skills and college preparatory.