San Ramon Valley Unified School District Candidate Q&A: Ken Mintz

Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. See other elections information here.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I believe that one of the most important obligations we have in society is to prepare the next generation to become educated, productive citizens. When I first sat on the school board in 1992 it was because I was focusing on making a difference in an educational system that my children were just entering. Now I am running because I believe I have the skills and experience to help set the tone and direction of education in the San Ramon Valley, for all of our children, as we prepare them for life in the 21st Century. 

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? 

My most important priority is to ensure that we as a community continue to work together to ensure that each of our children gets the best possible education we can provide, particularly as we deal with the current economic uncertainties thrust upon us by the state's budget dilemma.  I hope to accomplish this through open dialogue and discussion, while recognizing that it also requires mutual respect and a willingness to acknowledge that we all bring something to the table, even when we disagree on the approach.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have been actively involved in our community for more than 20 years in a variety of capacities, including education, parks and community services, business and nonprofit organizations, scouts, and youth sports. My strengths include fiscal management, consensus building, policy setting, and strategic planning.  I have proven leadership skills including a term as school board president, five-time chair of San Ramon's Parks Commission, and leadership roles in the San Ramon and Walnut Creek chambers of commerce among other organizations. I've also chaired the District's facilities oversight advisory committee. My 30-plus-year career with AT&T provides me with an understanding of how our educational practices must evolve to prepare our students to live and work in an ever-changing world.

Where do you work and what is your job title? 

AT&T, 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, Area Manager External Affairs with a background in Information Technology.

Age and birthplace?

I'm 53 years old; born in New York, NY.

What are the names and ages of your children, if any?

Nicole, 24 and Jacob, 19. Both attended and graduated from SRVUSD schools.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. 

 MBA, University of Texas at Austin (1980)

 BS Business Administration, Georgetown University, Washington DC (1978)

 K-12 public schools in Fair Lawn, NJ

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

SRVUSD Board of Education Trustee (1992-1996 including Board President in 1996; 2009-present). City of San Ramon Parks and Community Services Commission (1988-2002; 2006-2009; 5 time chairman). City of San Ramon Planning Commission – Interim (2001)

Have you run before for an elected public office?

 SRVUSD Board of Education, 1992

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal. 

More than $1,000.

Have you ever served in the military?

 No.

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

 No.

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?

 No.

How long have you lived in the area?

Twenty-seven years in the San Ramon Valley (San Ramon and Danville, since 1983)

What's your favorite thing about the San Ramon Valley Unified School District?

My favorite thing about the SRV School District is the level of shared commitment in ensuring that each of our students receives the best education possible. It comes from parents preparing their children for school, and then staying involved as partners in their children's education; it's about quality teachers and administrators at our school sites that demonstrate everyday what it means to be an educational professional; it's about a community that steps up to help meet the financial challenges that face public education; it's about we as adults working together to ensure that we have prepared our youth to be productive and educated members of society. I enjoy back-to-school nights, classroom open houses, student performances, visiting classrooms, attending graduations, and recognizing students for their achievements.  In each case it says that public education has much to offer, and that in the San Ramon Valley, our children are moving forward because we collectively support their efforts to do so.

What is the biggest problem in the district?

While the current economic situation is forcing us to make very difficult choices, the biggest problem is more structural in nature. The California state system of school finance forces local districts like ours to make financial decisions months before a budget is established. Even once the parameters have been set, we're at the mercy of the state, which can change the rules mid-stream. Since more than 80 percent of our funding flows through the state this means that we are forced to be extra conservative in our establishment of reserves; distribute preliminary layoff notices to large numbers of our employees; and consider deep cuts to programs each year that creates an emotional rollercoaster for students, staff and parents. It is a testament to all involved that we are able to stay focused on our mission of providing the best education possible for every student.

Contact information:

Phone: 925-718-5384

Email: kmintz@pacbell.net

Website: www.KenMintz.com

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