Last updated on 11 August 2024
Last week I completed my filings. I am on the ballot for November 5, 2024’s election as a candidate for the Antelope Valley Community College District’s Board of Trustees – specifically Trustee Area 1. If you’re in the AV, or its surrounding communities and wonder who on the board represents your area, check out this interactive map. Trustee Area 1 is the big pink one that spans the southern portion of the district, from one county line to another.
I’m not going to leave a manifesto here, but just a couple of thoughts driving my interest to continue to serve this community.
When I retired from my role as Chief Information Systems Officer last year, I knew I wanted to remain involved — kind of hard not to after ten years serving the amazing students and people of this area. For years, in that role, I promoted and supported more progressive working conditions, deeper integration of technology into instruction, advocated for expanded veteran services, and enhanced availability of resources to students in need.
The Board needs to take an active role in promoting a modern perspective on the workplace. COVID proved, for many, that remote work is a viable solution. For many of the offices and academic programs at the college, attracting quality candidates is an enormous challenge. Actively supporting and promoting a remote work policy could dramatically improve candidate pools and the working conditions.
The 2016 Bond, Measure AV, which I supported actively, provided the means to update the physical infrastructure of the college and ensure funds would be available for future needs. This bond has dramatically enhanced the learning experience for our area students. There is still much work to do to ensure the proper stewardship of the endowed funds. As a member of the leadership team that developed the plan, I hope to continue to have a voice in ensuring its initial intent is preserved.
I am a product of the California Community College and State University systems. Like so many in our system, I was a working student. After my service in the US Air Force, I worked my way through two degrees in history while attending full or part time – my AA on the five-year plan, and my BA three years later. Later in my career, I returned to the student role and completed my masters degree at CSU Northridge.
Twenty-seven years of my working career was in service to California Higher Education, in roles with the University of California, two California State University Campuses and its Office of the Chancellor, and two Community College Districts. I concluded my career serving the Antelope Valley and AVC as its Executive Director of Technology and Chief Information Systems Officer.
I have no interest in public office beyond this role. My wife and I – and our dogs – have made our home here in the AV. I believe strongly in representative governance and citizen oversight, as well as giving back to the communities and institutions that have supported me along my path.
In continuing my service to this community, I would like to bring my years of experience in California Higher Education to the citizen oversight of Antelope Valley College through its Board of Trustees. To do so, I ask for the privilege of your vote for the Trustee’s Seat serving Area 1.
– Thank you.
p.s. I’m not fund raising for this effort. For those who have offered your support, Thank You. But, I don’t want to futz with the falderal of having a committee, the perceptions of obligation & access, and simply I feel this should be something I do on my own. – rs