It has been a joy to serve the students and families in the East Side Union High School District these past 5 ½ years. I joined the Board because I had been volunteering in youth mentoring programs for over 20 years and saw the miracles that occur when adults believe in students even more than they believe in themselves. Mentoring, as I discovered, is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and self-reflection. The tools I gained in my mentoring work can benefit not only students, but can also enrich the lives of teachers and other staff so their work may become even more fulfilling. I am running for re-election with the hope of continuing to expand these tools within our school community.
Out of my commitment to create relationship-centered schools, I was thrilled to form a task force of students from across the district to look at ways to involve students more directly in the decisions that impact them. From that effort, the Student Governing Board was born. This district-wide student-led governing body meets with members of the Board of Trustees monthly to discuss important initiatives. The Student Governing Board Chairperson participates in district board meetings as a student member of the Board, creating a channel for student voice with the Board and the community.
The goal of our partnership with the Student Governing Board is to improve the educational experience and academic outcomes for ALL of our students. Now with COVID-19 dramatically restructuring what school looks like, student voice—along with input from our other key stakeholders including parents, teachers, and school staff—is more important than ever.
I am committed to providing the best possible education for every one of our students. I’m grateful for the support from students, graduates, parents, teachers, and school staff. I respectfully ask for your vote.
Thank you!
Pattie Cortese
