Candidate Q&A: Liza L. Normandy, School Board

There will be no election for School Board this year, as only the three incumbents filed to run for three open spaces.  Patch asked the incumbents, who will each automatically serve another term, to answer questions regarding their prior service and goals.

Name: Liza L. Normandy

Age: 37

Occupation:  Director of Catering, Doubletree Hotels Burlingame

Prior public office: None

What's your personal involvement with South San Francisco public schools?

I have two children who attend our schools.  I have a sixth grader at Alta Loma Middle School and a freshman who is attending South San Francisco High School. 

Why do you want to serve another term on the school board?

As a parent of two children in the school district and a PTA member, I am aware of the challenges we face. As the two-term president of the School Board, I have worked diligently to enact policies and procedures that will enhance our children's education and well-being.  It is an honor and privilege to serve for another term, and it is my wish that together we can build for our children one of the best education systems in the County.

What are your greatest accomplishments on the board?

My greatest accomplishments on the board have been:

• I am the third school board member in the past 23 years to serve as a two-term president of the Board.
• Collaborated with Councilwoman Karyl Matsumoto on the 1stannual Backpack Distribution Program for SSFUSD students. This year we generated over 300 backpacks and donated 25 each to our elementary schools.
• Worked on the Alternative to the Expulsion Program. The first one was piloted in August 2010 and was very successful. Our story was covered by the Daily Journal.
• Partnered with the SSF Police Department to present "Safe & Secure Schools" presentation district-wide.
• Collaborated with the SSF Police Department to simulate a "Killer on Campus" scenario that was videotaped by KRON 5.
• Presided at the first televised school board meeting.
• Initiated Board Workshops.
• Introduced Community Forums to increase transparency and communication.

What do you see as the greatest challenge this coming school year?

While I am very proud of our accomplishments during the past four years, there's still so much more work to do.  We must continue to provide engaging yet challenging academic and vocational programs so that our students can improve their test scores and better prepare for the future — especially during these tough economic times. At the same time, we must continue to attract and retain the finest teachers and school employees. We must provide rigorous and exciting academic and vocational programs.  We must ensure that the tools our children need to succeed are readily available for them to achieve their goals.