San Ramon Valley Unified School District Candidate Q&A: John Lane IV

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

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

The students and ensuring they are getting the proper resources to not only get to college but make it through college. My realization is that this starts in the primary grades and involves engaging parents to be an active participant in their child's development as a student from kindergarten to the time they graduate high school. I am a firm believer that with collaboration between the students, parents, teachers, administrators and taxpayers we can make this valley the best school district in the state. Our students could lead the way into the 21st Century, a think tank for businesses worldwide.

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

As a school board member maintaining solvency is my primary concern closely followed by being a positive role model to the students themselves.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Times are changing and the board should reflect the future of education. I am not a parent, teacher, nor between the age of 35 to 55 and have yet to join the PTA. But, I did attend K-12 here in the San Ramon Valley graduating from California High School in 2003. I graduated debt-free from Cal State East Bay with a B.S. in Business Economics in 2007 and an MBA in 2010. I am a product of public education. It is important for young professionals to be represented in local politics. I have fresh ideas to inject into our school district to make it better than it already is.

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

My favorite thing about the SRVUSD is the growing diversity. The new development in Windemere has been a blessing for our valley inviting in new and diverse families from all different backgrounds culturally and economically.

What is the biggest problem in the district?

The biggest challenge facing our district is staying fiscally solvent while serving the students to the best of our abilities and resources.

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I work full time as a Special Projects Manager at CSU East Bay.

Age and birthplace?

I am 25 and was born in Hayward, CA.

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

I have no children at this stage in my life but I value all our students' education.

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

Walt Disney Elementary

Pine Valley Middle School

California High School – Graduate 2003

CSU East Bay – Bachelor of Science in Business Economics 2007

CSU East Bay – Master of Business Administration with a Marketing focus 2010

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

No.

Have you run before for an elected public office?

No.

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

We are fundraising to pay for the essentials but I am not going into debt running my campaign. I believe that if the community as a whole wants me to represent them, they will elect me without having to "buy" their vote.

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 San Ramon?

Twenty-one years.

Contact information:

E-mail: JohnDLane4schoolboard@gmail.com

Facebook: John D. Lane IV