I can’t wait to attend the next board meeting” is a phrase that NEVER came out of my mouth. Don’t get me wrong, I think what happens at these board meetings is important, but if I am going to one, it feels more like an obligation than a privilege (like it should). Have you ever been to one? Or watched the stream of these meetings? The direction of a public school district is decided and guided by the board. It is the board that the superintendent and leaders in the district’s offices are accountable to. This is why it is important for you to make sure you vote for the right people who will sit on this board. Someone who will act in the best interest for your student.
I’m a parent and a teacher in the William S. Hart Union High School District. My oldest just entered ninth grade at Saugus High School, which is where my other two children will eventually attend. I’m in my 21st year teaching mathematics, with three of those years spent at Azusa High School and the other 18 at Golden Valley High School. I have been recently honored with Teacher of the Year recognition at GVHS, the district, and all of L.A. County.
I love my students, and I believe in our education system. My deepest desire is that we, the teachers in the public school system, can cause ALL students to succeed. The less-served, those with greater needs, those needing additional services or support, the less privileged, and those in the “subgroups” are my greatest concern. Their success in public education can sometimes be difficult to achieve because they face more barriers to their learning than others. That is my main job: finding those barriers and removing them so that ALL students can learn at high levels.
I’m now in leadership roles at my school site, and I can see the importance of having the right people in the positions that make decisions affecting how our school systems in Santa Clarita serve our teenagers. Bryan Biggers is running for a spot on the board. I do not know of anyone else I would want in that role.
I personally know Bryan and have had many conversations with him. One of the traits I appreciate about Bryan is the thought and care he puts into his words and the decisions he makes. I know I will always get sound advice from him. He is not shy about saying, “I’m not sure about that, but let me do some searching and get back to you with an answer,” or, “Wait, I’m trying to understand where you are coming from, ” or, “I disagree with you, and here is why.”
Bryan is heavily involved with the teenagers at our church, including regular Wednesday night and Sunday night youth meetings and hangouts offered at his home. He gives up time in the summer yearly to be a counselor at weeklong summer camps. Before working with teenagers he was helping run Trail Life Troop No. 4110. He does not just talk about serving students and putting them first — he lives it.
He listens, loves and cares for others, and leads with integrity. He understands the important role parents play in children’s lives and will strive to honor the role God has given parents in raising and guiding their children. He will work to support and retain great teachers who have such an important influence on our students, while helping create an environment where our students can learn, grow and thrive.
Nicholas Patey
Santa Clarita
