Fifteen Minutes with Karyn Pulley

Editor's Note: Please note this is not an endorsement by the Patch for this or any candidate. We are giving the same questions and opportunity to all candidates so that they may express their thoughts to our readers in an attempt to get to know them better and what they think is important.

Karyn's background includes 12 years on the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District school board. She has been a school board president and clerk while serving on the board. Her resume includes time as the president for Sonoma County's 4-H Council as well as president of Cotati Rohnert Park Parent Organizations.

Why are you running for the school board?

I consider myself an advocate for children and education. I have my teacher’s credential and have spent a lot of time working with kids in 4-H and other programs. I want to figure out how we can provide the best for children. I am very passionate about children and learning across all levels. It is important to make sure they have the opportunity to move on after high school to attend two-or-four-year colleges or vocational schools as well as learning the fundamentals.

What do you hope to accomplish?

I want to continue to focus on remaining financially solvent, which might be a real struggle. If Proposition 30 or 38 doesn't pass we could be in a world of hurt. We need to create or institute new programs to attract children back that have left the district, which will be difficult as we don't have the money available to do that right now. Also I want to keep listening to parents for input and ideas about what they want in the district, like the 45/15 program that was started up at Evergreen Elementary. Then I would like to work with the teen population that is challenged and to bring them back into the fold; provide them education aside from just books. It is important to meet the current needs but we also need to listen to what parents and students are saying.

Why should people vote for you?

I bring experience and leadership. Also I am concerned with looking at the whole picture, not just students who are the future, but also staffing; it is a complete package. I believe that I can work well with people to get that whole package that educates children, let's them feel safe, and provides them with a feeling of achievement while still lowering class sizes.

Even with my experience on the board I am still looking for new ways to accomplish things and help kids and classrooms. We can't be complacent. I am not a school board member who will be complacent. Also I am not afraid to vote no on something if I don't think it is the best choice for our district.

What qualifies you?

Along with my time as a teacher and a board member, I was also a private tutor which was a very rewarding experience. I work with 'at risk' youths and also have written material for after school programs.

One thing that is very important to me is that I am approachable. I pride myself on being willing to answer the tough questions from people and if I don't know the answer then to research it and find out. Also that means telling people the 'why' and the 'how' instead of just ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ I do hope people will be willing to ask questions because I am always willing to talk.

What else would you like to share?

I work to collaborate with all sections of the education population which includes teachers and staff. During my years on the board I worked hard to keep the cuts away from the classroom.

Sometimes it can be difficult because people only see the end result, but I am more than willing to explain the middle steps so they understand how we got to where we are.

For more information on Karyn you can view her profile at Smart Voter.

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*Note: Correction made to the article that initially listed that Karyn was the current clerk on the board, ammended to read as past clerk.*