The Autism Connection * SCESD

The Autism Connection

South Coast Education Service District related topics

Election results are in (Unofficial)10:05 PM 5/17/05
Click here for results ----> ELECTION RESULTS

Vicki Varley-Goodrich

Dear Neighbor:

My name is Vicki Varley-Goodrich and I am running for Coos Bay School District Board and I would like to take this time to ask you for your vote in May 2005.

Why are you running for Coos Bay School District? That’s simple. I believe that I can do a better job. I have been attending Coos Bay School Board meetings since December of 2001, observing our school board and administration. On various occasions, I have provided testimony regarding issues surrounding children. Often times, I have felt that I wasn’t being heard and my issue wasn’t going to be addressed.

I believe that this community needs a proactive school board and administration when it comes to the education and safety of our children. I would like to see a school board that encourages public testimony, considers that testimony before rendering decisions and finds solutions regarding those issues. I believe there is always room for compromise and that no one should ever leave a school board meeting feeling as if they are fighting “city hall.” As a community, we need to all work together to find solutions.

Why should I vote for you? I suppose the answer to that is because I get things done. For instance, when I contacted the superintendent inquiring about what could be done about the burned house near Bunker Hill Elementary, I was told there was nothing that could be done. So I made a few phone calls, had a meeting with school and county officials, addressed the Coos County Commissioners, and participated in the citizen review committee in developing a county ordinance to address the issue. The ordinance was passed unanimously by the Coos County Commissioners. Now when a home burns down in Coos County and it presents a hazardous condition to children, home owners are required to board up the premises.

When asked to serve as a facilitator of the parent safety meetings at Bunker Hill, I said “you bet!” After noting everyone’s concerns, a group of parents, including myself, met with the administration to address those safety issues. Now Bunker Hill has a fenced play ground area to keep children safe and the school district is developing a new parking area so that families will not need to walk across a 4-lane highway to bring their children to school.

So what are your qualifications? First of all, all that is required to be qualified as a Coos Bay School Board member is that you are a resident of Coos Bay and a registered voter. I am a resident of Coos Bay. In fact I was born and raised in Eastside. And I am a registered voter. I am also currently an elected school board member at South Coast Educational Services District, an executive board member for the Human Rights Advocates of Coos County and a board member of Bay Area Enterprises.

As a mom, as a tax payer, as a registered voter and an active member of your community, I would hope that you would join me, my friends and family in voting for Vicki Varley-Goodrich in May 2005.

Respectfully,

Vicki Varley-Goodrich

411 8^th Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

541-269-9099

TheGoodrichs@peoplepc.com

Ps. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call or write to my e-mail address. Thanks again

LeeAnn MacDonald

Dear Neighbor:

My Name is LeeAnn MacDonald and I am running for SCESD Board and I would
like to take this time to ask you for your vote in May 2005.

Why are you running for SCESD Board? I am running because I believe I
can bring an important perspective that is lacking on the current SCESD
Board, that of a parent of a child with a disability. Currently there is
only one parent who has a child with a disability on the board. I believe
the SCESD and the community it serves would greatly benefit from having
more parents on their board that can give a point of view that is so
important to the services they provide.

Why should I vote for you? I would encourage you to vote for me because
I feel it is so important to fight for the best education our children
can get. I believe the children come first and that is where my focus
will be. I believe we can pull together as a community and give each
child the opportunity to reach their full potential.

So what are your qualifications? My qualifications are simple. I am a
parent of a child with a disability. I live with the issues that
surround these children and their families everyday. I know what
families want and need from the SCESD.

So I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election and encourage you to
help me to make a positive change in our community!!!

LeeAnn MacDonald

PO Box 371

Bandon, OR 97411

Julie Miles
Bridges Advocacy and Outreach Center
PO Box 2033
Bandon, OR 97411
541-297-7328
julie@bridges-advocacy.org
"Empowering families of children with special needs to effectively advocate for quality services and education."

Dear Friends & Family:

I wanted to ask you to consider joining me in voting for LEEANN MACDONALD for SCESD School Board. I have known LeeAnn for several years and she is an amazing advocate for children with disabilities. As a parent of a child with a disability, LeeAnn (and her best friend Julie) began a non-profit (at no cost to families) program called Bridges Advocacy and Outreach Center which empowers families to advocate for their children. (If you would like to have additional information about LeeAnn and Bridges Advocacy, check out www.bridges-advocacy.org.)

As you know, SCESD provides programs in our local schools such as "special education" classrooms. Currently, seven individuals serve on this board, but only one of them is a parent of a child with disabilities. Families should be equally represented on this board and SCESD would be fortunate to have someone like LeeAnn as a board member.

Best to all of you!

and remember to vote May 17!

Vicki Goodrich