(Editor’s note: The Vanguard accepts “Letters from the Community” supporting candidates or addressing other issues. Any article under 400 words is considered a “letter” and will be published in the “letters and brief announcements sections.” Anything longer than 500 words will be considered an “op-ed” and published in the main section. You can either email them to the Vanguard or hit the submission button at the top right of the menu (here). In this case we’ve combined three into one article and posted it in the main section).
Why I’ll Vote for Bob Poppenga
by Chian Ohler
In a town that is full of highly educated people with infinite number of ideological arguments, Bob Poppenga brings a breath of fresh air to the school board election.
During his run for the school board in 2014, I had a chance to talk to Bob, a vet school professor at UCD with double doctorates (DVM and Ph.D.). Expecting campaign rhetoric from him, I was instead instantly struck by Bob’s unassuming and easy manner. I was impressed that he listened very intently and provided thoughtful answers, exhibiting a commitment to truly understand the issues before reaching conclusions.
Over the past two years, I have learned about Bob’s quiet yet unwavering passion for education. He serves on the board for the Exploit Science Center, and he also served on the school district’s CTE (Career Technical Education)/STEAM Committee, and the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee, to name a few.
Most recently, through Bob’s persistent efforts, the School of Veterinary Medicine has committed to supporting the DHS program in veterinary science through donation of instructional materials, help with curriculum development and student learning opportunities at the vet school. This program is the first of its kind, and is a good example of Bob’s determined efforts to achieve his long-held vision of developing partnerships between the school district and community resources.
To lead the district, Bob does not seek the path to fame or even recognition; his sole purpose is to make the school district better. I firmly believe voting for Bob is not about Bob, it is for excellence in education for all Davis children.
Bob Poppenga for School Board
by Deborah Nichols Poulos
I am so grateful that Bob Poppenga is willing to offer his time and abilities on our Davis Joint Unified School Board. With two daughters in the Davis schools and as an experienced educator, Bob has a direct and well-informed view of the quality our district provides. If you have not yet met this thoughtful and dedicated UCD Veterinarian, just stop at his booth at the Farmer’s Market.
He is not just concerned about college bound students, he also supports programs to ensure that students who want to attend trade schools have those options through his work on the district’s Career Technical Education (CTE)/STEAM committee. I appreciate his focus on the diverse needs of our students.
Bob has also contributed his knowledge and expertise to benefit our children as an Explorit Science Center board member, through youth programs with Sunrise Rotarians, and on the parcel tax oversight committee.
As a retired teacher, I especially appreciate Bob’s support of and concern about resources for teachers. Bob has served on the district’s Professional Development Action Team that helped to develop our long range Strategic Plan. Teachers benefit from board members who understand and support our needs.
Bob also recognizes that there are substantial, untapped resources in the Davis community that could further improve our schools by building these relationships. Through his own initiative, he has pursued partnerships with UC Davis to connect our students with opportunities for learning they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
Please join me in voting for Bob Poppenga for Davis School Board.
I Support Measure H and Susan Lovenburg
by Michelle Millet
As a long time substitute teacher for the DJUSD, a parent of a 7th grader at Holmes Junior High and a 4th grader at Birch Lane, and a 25-year resident of Davis, I am writing this letter in support of Measure H and in support of Susan Lovenburg for the Davis School Board in this November’s election.
I can speak with first hand knowledge, both from the prospective of an educator and parent of how the parcel taxes we as a community pay directly benefit our students, our schools, and our community at large. Funding generated from these taxes pay for, among many things, our schools’ librarians, music teachers, coaches and counselors, as well reduced class sizes, all of which makes for strong schools which in turn make for a strong community.
Over the past year I have had the pleasure of working with School Board member Susan Lovenburg on the 2016 Davis 1,000 Mentor for Youth Challenge, a program spearheaded by Trustee Lovenburg to promote volunteer efforts in an attempt to close the opportunity gap that exist within our schools. Susan is dedicated to ensuring that all of our students get equal access to the educational opportunities available to them in our district. For this reason and for the experience, dedication, and knowledge she brings to the table I’m grateful that she is willing to continue to serve the Davis community as a school board member.
Please join me this November in supporting Measure H~Support our Schools and Susan Lovenburg for Davis School Board.
Michelle – It would be helpful if we understood how many new volunteers these efforts have generated for the schools. I’m inclined to believe otherwise this is a campaign year window-dressing effort.