Early Endorsements
Joe Simitian
California State Senator
Ira Ruskin
California State Assemblyman
Liz Kniss
Santa Clara County Supervisor and Former Palo Alto Mayor & PAUSD School Board Trustee
Mandy Lowell
Current Palo Alto Unified School District Board Member and Former School Board President
Joan Johnston
Former PAUSD School Board
Cathy Kroymann
Former PAUSD School Board President
Amado Padilla
Stanford University Professor of Education, Former PAUSD School Board Member
John Tuomy
Former PAUSD School Board President
John Barton
Palo Alto Councilmember and Former PAUSD School Board President
Bern Beecham
Palo Alto Councilmember and Former Mayor
Peter Drekmeier
Palo Alto Councilmember
Yoriko Kishimoto
Mayor, Palo Alto
Larry Klein
Palo Alto Vice Mayor and Former Mayor
Jack Morton
Palo Alto Councilmember
Betsy Bechtel
Foothill-De Anza College Board Trustee and Former Mayor of Palo Alto
Laura Casas-Frier Foothill-De Anza College Board Trustee
Hal Plotkin
Foothill-De Anza College Board President
Bruce Swenson
Foothill-De Anza College Board Vice President
Grace Mah
Santa Clara County Board of Education
Ruben Abrica
East Palo Alto Councilmember Faculty, De Anza Community College
Ellen Wheeler
Mountain View-Whisman School District Board Trustee
Gary Fazzino
Former Palo Alto Mayor, 2007 Tall Tree Award Recipient, and Former Co-Chair - Measure A school parcel tax campaign
Megan Swezey Fogarty
Former Co-Chair - Measure A school parcel tax campaign
Camille's Ballot Statement
I am President of the Palo Alto Unified School Board, an attorney, and a parent. I am married to Ward Hanson, a Stanford economist and faculty member. We have two children, one a freshman at Princeton and the other a University of Wisconsin graduate just completing her first year as a middle school teacher. Both of our children benefited from the excellent academics and diverse extracurricular programs of Palo Alto public schools. My top priority as a School Board member is to ensure excellence, opportunity, and support for all students
.
Managing a high performing district with a budget of $130 million takes experience, skill, innovative solutions, and the willingness to make tough decisions. Four years ago we faced steep budget cuts as our local economy faltered and the state reduced funding. For leadership in challenging the state’s claim to our Basic Aid status I received our district PTA’s advocacy award. I made difficult budget decisions, keeping cuts away from the classroom while reducing the $6.5 million shortfall. Our financial picture is stronger, and under my presidency, we've hired a talented new Superintendent and have a unique opportunity for renewed purpose.
Great teachers change lives. They engage students, stimulate imagination, and raise performance. One of the Board's prime responsibilities is to attract and retain excellent teachers. We are committed to competitive salaries, enabling teacher collaboration, and providing strong technology support. Innovation and basics go hand-in-hand.
Quality schools reflect community commitment and values. Our curriculum must challenge and support students of all capabilities and learning styles. In addition to my focus on budget, teachers and academics, I championed healthy nutrition standards, green energy initiatives, community input, and a world language initiative. During my term we’ve opened new science classes, refurbished the schools, and improved athletic facilities. Our seventeen schools must be welcoming for our 10,800 students - with playgrounds, sports, and the arts to encourage students to be active, healthy, and connected.
Education is our community's most important commitment to the future. We prepare our students today for the world decades from now. More work remains. I am committed to giving our students multiple skills and opportunities to succeed and thrive. Serving on the School Board is an honor, and I would appreciate your support.
Educational/Professional Experience:
Attorney,
Business Law Faculty, Purdue University;
(J.D.-Loyola University of Chicago, M.S.- American University, Washington D.C., B.A.-University of Wisconsin).
Probation Officer, Alameda County. Juvenile Counselor, Mendocino County.