Please review the candidates below and select up to three names.
_____ Foroozan Toofan
I have lived in Albany since 2003. Arad Shahandeh (6th grader) is my second child growing in Albany's school system. For that, I have been observing and had close relationship with my children's teachers and admin staff for the past 12 years at Marin Elementary. I have been holding a number of positions in finance field at the Berkeley USD for the past 11 years. Having two English learner students of my own, working at school sites and interacting with students and parents, being involved with schools' finances and after school program contracts along with the various mandatory training I have received every year, have provided me with a deep understanding of school systems in general and AUSD and BUSD, to be specific. I am confident my knowledge and experience will be a great help to serve as a school site counselor.
_____ Taner Sen
I am a parent of a 7th grader at Albany Middle School. I would like to serve on the School Site Council to help sustain and enhance the educational excellence in our school. By continually evaluating our performance against measurable outcomes, we can improve our children’s opportunities to learn and succeed. The Albany United School District is one of the finest districts in the Bay Area, and I believe that parent involvement is key to ensure a supportive learning environment for our children. Like many other parents, I would like to do my part. I have an engineering background, and work in Albany as a scientist in a federal research facility.
_____ Jon Destin
I would like your consideration to join the AMS Site Council. I am a single father of a 6th grader at AMS. I am also a small business owner and Albany resident since 2012 when my son, Sammy, started kindergarten. Even though we have only lived in Albany for about seven years we feel extremely fortunate to have been adopted by this by wonderful community.
As a former middle school teacher, I have seen first-hand how important the middle school years are in the development of young adults. I would be very excited to not only play a part in the creation, assessment and progress of the school goals but also playing a role in ensuring every child at AMS has the opportunity to an excellent education. In addition, I would be an strong advocate to ensuring all our children were in a healthy, safe and inclusive environment.
As an immigrant and a gay dad I have been faced with many challenges throughout my life that I have tried harnessed into positive experiences. I now try to share that with my son and our community at large. After running for Albany School Board two years ago I have been able to solidify relationships with many AUSD teachers, principals, our superintendent and other administrators as well as community leader. I currently serve on two Albany exclusive boards (the Albany Education foundation and the Albany Community Foundation)—all with the goal of building a community for all. Thank you for the consideration, Jon.