On behalf of the Campbell Union High School District (CUHSD) Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to announce the provisional appointment of Ms. Kristiina Arrasmith to the CUHSD Board, effective January 19, 2017.
Kristiina Arrasmith is a graduate of UC Davis with a BA in Spanish and Communications. Prior to that, she was a graduate of our own Leigh High School. Ms Arrasmith taught 4th and 5th grade classes in Texas where her students displayed significant and rapid growth in math and reading mastery. As a result, she was selected to coach new teachers and now has notable experience in designing professional development and teacher learning opportunities. Her work as an instructional coach enables her to see teachers in multiple district settings, providing her with a broad view of the education landscape in Silicon Valley. In addition to providing new teacher support, Ms. Arrasmith currently teaches a law-related education and life skills class once a week to youth in the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Center and to youth on probation through Santa Clara County Alternative Education.
Ms. Arrasmith supports the district's goals of achieving equity, closing the achievement gap, and providing our students with social and emotional support. She is passionate about student success, able to see the big picture, and dedicated to a life of service. Her students have made significant academic and personal gains, and it is clear that she knows how to be successful, often going beyond the expectations of others to realize her goals for her students and teacher trainees.
Prior to the selection of Ms. Arrasmith, a notice of a vacancy on the CUHSD Board was posted on November 15, 2016, due to the resignation of Wendy Dillingham-Plew. The application period was closed at 4:30 PM on November 30, 2016, with twenty-one candidates having applied. All applicants were encouraged to respond to five preliminary questions and to submit a resume and letters of recommendation. Additionally, members of the public had the opportunity to address the Board on behalf of a candidate during the public comment period prior to the interviews on December 15th and 16th.
During the interviews, the Board’s questions focused on motivation to serve at the governance level, priorities for our students, communication with stakeholders, conflict resolution, bridge-building, and the role of a trustee as well as the hallmarks of an effective board. The same questions were asked of each candidate. On December 15, 2016, the Board interviewed all candidates, including two by Skype and one by phone, in an effort to give all interested parties full access to the process. On December 16th, the Board interviewed six finalists, and following extensive deliberation, selected Ms. Arrasmith. She will be sworn in and seated at the CUHSD board meeting on January 19, 2017. The term of the appointment is through November 2018. The Board wishes to thank all the applicants for their interest in our district and the time they invested in the process.
The CUHSD Board is currently comprised of trustees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and we value that diversity. In Ms. Arrasmith, we have a dedicated educator with the ability to bring a fresh perspective to the team. We believe she will help the board continue to craft policies that will support our students as we seek to prepare them for a lifetime of learning.
Regards,
Linda Goytia
Board President