Why Our Community Says: "Re-Elect Camille Townsend!"
Why We Say: "Re-Elect Camille Townsend!"
Ira Ruskin, California State Assemblyman
“Camille’s extensive experience as an educator, attorney and involved parent inform her decision-making. Her unique knowledge base and proven commitment to excellence on the School Board will be necessary for the Palo Alto Unified school district to continue leading as a model of education excellence.”
Liz Kniss, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Former Palo Alto Mayor and PAUSD School Board President
"You know experience, courage and leadership when you see it. Our high achieving district stands today as a model for education in spite of unstable budgets, growth, a changing economy and changing world demands. Camille’s experience shines through in tackling these tough issues successfully and her insights become even more essential when a new board is seated. For our students and community we need to re-elect Camille to the school board."
Gary Fazzino, former mayor and co-chair of the Measure A parcel tax campaign
"Managing a budget on a state and local economic roller coaster while maintaining a high achieving district is a challenge for any public official, but this is the kind of experience that sets Camille apart. As the most veteran member on the new board with a new superintendent, our District would be highly served with Camille’s continued knowledge, skill and experience. She has my strongest support.”
Jack Morton, Palo Alto City Council Member and Past President of the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation
"As President of the School Board and Board Member of the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation, Camille has re-enforced connections between schools, the city and non-profit organizations so as to ensure that students continue to have after school sports and recreation choices as well as academic options. The whole community benefits from Camille's dedication. We need to re-elect Camille to the School Board.
Walt Hays, Palo Alto "Tall Tree" award recipient
"While many say they are “green”, as Board President, Camille has actually worked for sustainability. She is the only board member who consistently attended our district sustainability meetings, and she went out of her way to encourage our work. This committee provided the genesis for PAUSD energy conservation and waste reduction projects. I appreciate Camille’s dedication to sustainability both as a goal for student learning and a matter of business sense. Her leadership is invaluable. "
Amado Padilla, Stanford University, Professor of Education and former PAUSD School Board member
““I support Camille because she does her homework, asks good questions, and makes thoughtful and well-informed decisions. She is inclusive in her decision making and our community is stronger because of Camille on the PAUSD School Board.
Hal Plotkin, President, Foothill-DeAnza Community College Board of Trustees
“I wholeheartedly support Camille. She's an exceptional educational leader, with a clearheaded vision about what we need to do to prepare students for tomorrow's world. She's worked very hard to ensure that each student has the best teachers and curriculum possible. Palo Alto has a history of excellent schools, in large measure, because we've been blessed with visionary school board leaders such as Camille Townsend. As the longest serving member of the new PAUSD board, Camille is in a unique position to use her experience, energy, collaborative skills and perspective to help the board meet the needs of our students. Camille stands out as a clear choice for everyone who wants to protect and extend our district's reputation for educational excellence.”
Suzie Stewart, PAUSD Sally Siegel Excellence in Teaching Award, 2007.
“As a teacher, I have appreciated Camille’s commitment to helping teachers meet the needs of students. Her enthusiastic advocacy for the PAUSD is invigorating. We are fortunate that she is willing to continue to serve our community.”
Diane Rolfe, PAUSD Sally Siegel Excellence in Teaching Award, 2005.
“Camille’s commitment to our schools comes from a deep understanding of the opportunities that education brings. She is a tireless advocate for our students, our teachers, and making public schools strong. She brings her teaching at Purdue University and her lawyer’s training to this goal. Her advocacy for our students is advocacy for us all."
Michele Miller, Technology Teacher and Parent
"I met Camille 12 years ago when she was still a multi-state commuter – She was practicing law in the Midwest, passing her California bar on the first try, and settling her family in Stanford and Palo Alto. From the beginning she came through as smart, engaging, and one who cared deeply about quality education and community. Never one to sit by idly when work needs to be done, I saw her magic in the classroom, her connection with students, and her leadership on the Site Council, as a PTA President, and as a state budget watchdog. This experience shows in her work as School Board President. She analyzes through her lawyer’s training, respects great teaching and strong curriculum, but above all believes every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.”
Elliott Sopkin, PAUSD Parent
“I trust Ms. Townsend with my kids!”
Len Filppu, PAUSD Parent
“We need the wisdom of experience to lead us through the significant educational and infrastructure issues facing PAUSD. Camille's guiding compass has always pointed to doing what's right for our children.”
Susyn Almond, PAUSD Parent
“The leadership she shows as President of the School Board demonstrates the same vision, dedication and commitment to community I’ve observed and admired all these years. Camille is a bright, education activist who through her warmth, persistence and energy, gets things done. In every aspect of educational leadership, she shows focus, and Palo Alto Unified is in good hands through the efforts of this dynamic leader."