School board incumbent remains passionate about helping at-risk middle schoolers
DiFatta would like to keep current board together
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

Janice DiFatta

Janice DiFatta is trying something new in her bid for reelection to the Simi Valley Unified School District board of education.

 

A board member since 1996, DiFatta launched a campaign website to inform voters about her candidacy and key issues. It is www.difatta2008.com

"It's important for me to run again. I believe I've contributed and had a significant impact during my tenure on the board," said DiFatta, who's lived in Simi Valley for 30 years. "I'm looking ahead for the next four years."

She said her priorities remain the board's primary objectives: Improve student achievement, get parents involved and create programs for at-risk middle school students.

She feels a board that's in harmony gets things done.

"We do not govern as individuals, we govern as a team," the six-time board president said.

This has been the strongest board she's ever worked with, she added.

"I will work with whoever gets elected. But I will say that the current board, including the other two incumbents (Rob Collins and Debbie Sandland), has been a very good board to work with. We've accomplished more in the last couple years than with any other board."

School safety, keeping up with technology in the classroom and ensuring that the remaining C4 Bond money is being spent wisely are other issues on which DiFatta is focused.

She is especially passionate about helping middle school students who've fallen between the cracks.

"We've identified a great program in BRAVO, but we have not been able to implement that program because of the budget," she said. "I would like to see that implemented as soon as possible, ideally this year. We haven't had the luxury of adding programs."

BRAVO is a program for middle school students who are falling behind and who do not respond to traditional intervention methods.

DiFatta, 56, is endorsed by the local chapter of California School Employees Association and the Simi Educators Association.

She earned her master's degree at Cal State Northridge and teaches communications at Moorpark College and College of the Canyons.

Her two adult children, Julie and Joe, went to Simi Valley Unified schools.

Her son, who is serving in the U.S. Air Force, left in September for a tour of duty in Iraq.