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Thurlow PartridgeAge: 63 Occupation: Retired teacher Number of years in Simi: 43 Qualifications: Familiar with the Simi Valley educational system. Has operated his own tax-preparation business for 26 years and worked as a realtor for 24. Worked for six years at Viewpoint School in Calabasas teaching science, for 30 years at Valley View Middle School teaching science and health and 10 years at Simi Valley High School teaching chemistry and biology. Presently works in tax preparation and real estate. What made you decide to run for school board? "I was a teacher and I enjoyed teaching. It was time for me to retire from the classroom with all my other activities, but I really miss being involved in education and this is a way for me to still contribute to education. I was encouraged by several people and I hope that I can make a difference. I'm looking forward to working together with the other board members to make Simi the best school district it can be." What are your goals/objectives if elected? "The general goal is to try and make the schools so that the kids get the best education they can. You have to look out for the students first, but also look out for the teachers because they're the ones in there working with the kids. We have to get as good salaries for the teachers as we can." In your opinion, what is the most significant issue facing California's public education system today? "Last year we lost about 20 young teachers because they felt it's too expensive to live in this area. I knew one of them personally and he was a very good science teacher. We need to figure a way, especially with my real estate background, to try and help teachers to be able to afford to buy property to live in, a condo at least in the beginning, so that we can attract the best young people into our school district."
Thurlow PartridgeAge: 63 Occupation: Retired teacher Number of years in Simi: 43 Qualifications: Familiar with the Simi Valley educational system. Has operated his own tax-preparation business for 26 years and worked as a realtor for 24. Worked for six years at Viewpoint School in Calabasas teaching science, for 30 years at Valley View Middle School teaching science and health and 10 years at Simi Valley High School teaching chemistry and biology. Presently works in tax preparation and real estate. What made you decide to run for school board? "I was a teacher and I enjoyed teaching. It was time for me to retire from the classroom with all my other activities, but I really miss being involved in education and this is a way for me to still contribute to education. I was encouraged by several people and I hope that I can make a difference. I'm looking forward to working together with the other board members to make Simi the best school district it can be." What are your goals/objectives if elected? "The general goal is to try and make the schools so that the kids get the best education they can. You have to look out for the students first, but also look out for the teachers because they're the ones in there working with the kids. We have to get as good salaries for the teachers as we can." In your opinion, what is the most significant issue facing California's public education system today? "Last year we lost about 20 young teachers because they felt it's too expensive to live in this area. I knew one of them personally and he was a very good science teacher. We need to figure a way, especially with my real estate background, to try and help teachers to be able to afford to buy property to live in, a condo at least in the beginning, so that we can attract the best young people into our school district."
