Statement of Qualification: Paul Black, Board of Education

This school board candidate statement would have appeared in election materials this fall. But with just three candidates filing for three open seats, Albany Unified School District will not have to hold an election and Black will be seated along with Allan Maris and Jonathan Knight.

I ask for your vote so I can continue the work I've begun on the school board. 

I've lived in Albany for over 28 years. My son was born here and attended Albany schools, where I volunteered in several capacities, including writer coaching and serving on the Instructional Improvement Council, the district curriculum committee and the High School Site Council. Last year I was appointed a provisional member of the school board to replace a member who had left. 

Since then, I have worked with the other board members to keep the Albany Unified School District solvent in the face of major cutbacks in state support. With the help of the community, we have passed a parcel tax, saved all major school programs, and kept the Adult School and daycare services going. I've participated in the district's strategic planning process, and have worked to improve communication between the district and the community. 

AUSD continues to face major budget and educational challenges. As a board member, I will help the Albany schools maintain and improve the excellent education we provide our community.

For more information, please see my website.

Paul R. Black