Application for Provisional Appointment to the La Mesa-Spring Valley Board of Education ame ...

60 Pages·2017·14 MB·English

La Me a- pring Valley School Di trict
-
Application for Provisional Appointment
to the La Mesa-Spring Valley Board of Education
Thi Application i a Public Record
The Appointee will hold office until the next Govern ing Board Member Election,
which occur at the next Statewide Gene ral Election on
ovembe r6, 2018 [EC 5091(e)]
Qualifications :
Applicant mu t be a regi tered voter and a re ident of the La Me a- pring Valley School Di trict. An
employee of a chool di trict may not be worn into office a an elected or appointed member of that
chool di trict' governing board unle and until he or he re ign a an employee. (EC § 35107)
Cenification of qualification on page 5 mu t be igned by the applicant.
Application Deadline:
Thi application mu t be received by the Secretary to the Board/Superintenden t no later than Monday,
July 24, 2017, at 4:45 p.m. and may be mailed, faxed, or hand-delivered to:
Brian Mar ball
ecretary to the La Mesa- pring Valley Board of Education
4750 Date A venue, La M a, CA 91942
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
(Plea e type or print)
- ame Sasson Ann Rebekah
La l Middle Fir t
___ _____ C_A_9_1_9_4_1
Addre __
Street City State/Zip Code
.- Telephone Number : Home ( ) Bu ines ( )
_1_1_/_2_y_e_a_rs_ _ _ ___ _
Year of Residence in the La Me a- pring Valley School Di trict
Application - La Me a- pring alley Board of Education Page I of7
Qualificat ions
I. De cribe your educational, work and public service background.
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Theology from Calvary Chapel Bible College. Before that, I
attended the University of Georgia and majored in Special Education, but partway lhrough my first year, I
had to wilhdraw from my classes due to an illness lhat affected my classes and jobs. Currently, I work at
Foothills Christian Church as an Administrative Assistant , as well as an Event Coordinator. I have worked at
Foothills since August of 2015. Before that, my employment ranged from Home Child Care, to Geriatric Care,
Customer Service, and Hospitality at the Hotel Del Coronado. I have been involved in several civic volunteer
positions, including the Hands of Hope free Health Clinic in Atlanta, as well as several humanitar ian trips to
Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. During high school I participated in Habitat for Humanity, in which I
assisted building homes for families in need. While in my first year of college I worked as a Congressional
Intern for U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, of Georgia's 10th Congressional District, and soon after that was a
2nd grade Teacher's Aide at Strong Rock Christian School. While in college, I also volunteered in the
hospitality department at Calvary Chapel Conference Center, where I gained experience as a barista, server,
and a secretary /assistant in the Admissions Department of the Bible College. I have coordinated and
participated in multiple homeless outreac hes, both here in San Diego and in Atlanta, and am currently
involved and volunteering in the East County Homeless Task Force. My husband and I also voluntee r as
teachers in a Sunday school class at Foothills Christian Church. Recently I graduated from the year-long East
County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, where my Future Vision Project Team created a mobile
website/texting application to bring all East County homelessness resources to one easily accessible
location, therefore easing the strain on First Responder departments (Fire Departments, Police Departments,
Health/Medical Departments & Responders, etc.).
2. What kill , abilitie , and experience would you bring to the Board to a i t in carrying out ics
re pon ibilitie ?
As an event coordinator, I need to be capable of planning my events according to a budget, but also
as one of the most active event coordinators at Foothills, I also have to set the budget according to any
current financial status of the corporation. Therefore, not only do I have the competency of planning events
within a budget, I am also highly proficient in forming a budget according to a comprehensive understanding
of funds available to me, as well as maintaining an understanding of a corporation's finances. Finances are a
major part of any civic Board, and I have learned that a balanced budget is paramount to board unity. I am
accustome d to maintaining a flexible budget while adjusting and appropriating funds to remain within the
constraints of the budget. I also have developed the capability of seeing the bigger picture and making wise
financial decisions in conjunction and harm onization with others who are dedicated to making the best
decisions for a corporation.
Although I have much less professional experience than others on the school board, I can offer a
diversity of experience. Not only will I be able to glean wisdom of experience from others on the board, but I
will also bring a perspective that is highly immersed in adapting quickly and flexibly to today's rapidly
changing and evolving culture. Because of my youth, and my exposure to social media and technology, I
understand its effect on youth, business, and financial matters as well as its effect on the education system.
My degree in Theology has enabled me to understand the difference between the #letter of the lawHa nd
the "spirit of the law." My degree is one that immersed me into a culture of ethics. I believe my character
rests on a strong ethical foundation, and provides me the ability to accurately determine the fundamental
ethics of decision making. Therefore, to introduce a law for the education system based on the "letter of the
law", meaning to institute a law constructe d on the keeping of the literal interpretation of the words, could in
fact hold detrimental conseq uences unforesee n, unless the "spirit of the law" is taken into account in the
creatio n of the law. Someone who understands the #spirit of the law# and the "letter of the law# 1s able to
contem plate such consequences, and therefore allow the spirit of the law to influence the creation of laws,
and ultimalely decisions made by the La Mesa Spring Valley School Board.
Application - La Me a-Spring Valley Board of Education Page 2 of7
3. List your involvement in the schools of La Mesa-Spring Valley (member hip on commjnee
and/or organization , offices held, volunteer work, etc.).
I am not directly involved in the schools of La Mesa-Spring Valley; however, I am a member of the
Leadership Justice group, which is a Future Vision Project Team created by the Leadership Program from
the East County Chamber of Commerce. Our team designed a mobile website to collect all resources
available to the homeless (and to the community for homelessness), intended to ease the strain on the
justice system's resources (financially and operationally). Our progress has received favorable recognition
not only from East County, but also from the County of San Diego, along with funding from the City of El
Cajon. Homeless youth account for 2500 students out of the 20,000 plus students enrolled in the Grossmont
Union High School District One of our initial goals for this project (c alled ConnectEC) is to institute it in East
County schools through the distribution of the silicone wristbands (which have the website and short code
texting number inscribed on them) to distribute to those students (through the counseling departments)
who are either homeless or at-risk homeless. We believe our mobile website, short code, and website can
affect the situations and quality of life of those who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness, which
includes the families and students of the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
4. State briefly your phjlosophy of public education.
Public education is the front-line force on the shaping of future generations of the United States. As
elementary, middle, and high school education are required for youth who live in the United States, public
education is one of the most readily accessible resources to the youth. Public education promotes
educational practices to the majority of America's young people, as well as creates an environment rich in
cultura l, socio-economic, and gender diversity. Exposure to diversity in these areas can help shape an
individual student into a well-rounded, productive, intelligent member of society. Public education also
influences the quality of life in each student, as well as their family. It allows access to education to those
families that may not have had access otherwise. Public education helps grow young students and stimulate
their minds in ways necessary to grow as a healthy individual and positive contributor to society.
Application - La Mesa-Spring Valley Board of Education Page 3 of7
5. Li t, in order of importance, the major i ue confronting public education and pecifically the La
Me a-Spring Valley chool Di trict.
1. Continued purposeful integration of new students into schools due to refugee status; especially addition of
ESL classes
2. Homelessness among students and families
6. A a Board member how would you determine the priori tie of the Di trict?
Priorities, first and foremost. come from the expressed concerns of those parents, teachers, staff, and
students in the DislricL Sometimes, problems are not known unless they are brought to the attention of those
on the Board. I would determine priorities based upon what was brought to my attention/t he Board's
attention by concerned citizens in the district, and also upon followmg up personally about expressed
concerns. Secondly, priorities are best determined in unanimous decision with other Board Members,
according to the best interests of the district and its constituents.
Application - La Me a- pring Valley Board of Education Page 4 of 7
7. Why do you wi h to erve on the Board and what do you hope to accompli h?
My desire to serve on the Board is based out of a desire to see the city in which I live, thrive. The health of a
community is often seen in the well-being of its children and young people. I believe that I have the heart,
intelligence, and dedication to effectively contribute to the Board, serving and working alongside the other
Board members , in order to support the school district and endeavor to help our schools and youth nourish.
lf appointed, I hope to accomplish serving the school distri ct and its members in the best ways possible, in
congruence with other Board members. My goal is not to come onto the Board with all my own ideas and
fight to introduce them to the school district; rather, my goal is to come alongside the other Board members
and parents , teachers , staff, and students of the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District and work to continue
to increase the already existing distinction and repute of the La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools. As Madeleine L
'Engle said, "One cannot be humble and aware of oneself at the same time."
I under tand, upon appointment, I would be required to file a Conflict of lntere t Statement and to take an
Oath of Office.
I ane t the foregoing information i true to the be t of my knowledge.
Signature of Applicant
Page 5 of 7
Applica tion - La Me a-Spring Valley Board of Education
Certification of Qualifications :
I understand that thi application i a public document and may be requested under provi ion of the
Public Record Act and/or be available to the public on the La Me a-Spring Valley chool District
website.
I under tand that, upon appointment, I would be required to file a Conflict of Interest tatement and take
an Oath of Office.
I cenify I am not di qualified to hold thi office becau e of a conviction of any of the crimes on the
attached Ii t and further certify I am not otherwi e disqualified from holding public office under the
California Con titution or statute .
I cenify I am a regi tered voter in the La Me a-Spring Valley School District and that I re ide within the
La Me a-Spring Valley School District boundarie .
I atte t the foregoing information i true to the best of my knowledge.
01/w / ~011=
1
Signature of Applicant Date
Information contained on thi application may be ubject to verification.
Application - La Mesa-Spring Valley Board of Education Page 6 of 7
The following i a Ii t of crime , conviction of which preclude a per on from holding public office in the
State of California. Conviction of the e crime render a per on "forever di qualified from holding any
office in thi tate."
• Bribing executive officer ( Penal Code§ 67)
• Officer asking or receiving bribes ( Penal Code §§ 68, 88)
• Receiving gratuity for appointment to office (Penal Code§ 74)
• Judicial Officer who has asked for or received emoluments, gratuities, rewards, or the fee of a
stenographer (Penal Code§ 94)
• Giving or offering bribe lO Councilman or Supervisor ( Penal Code § 165)
• Misappropriation of public funds (Penal Code§ 424)
• Interference with work or discipline of, or giving certain articles to prisoners ( Penal Code§
2772)
• Interference with or giving certain articles to convicts (Penal Code§ 2790)
• Officer making contracts in which he or she is interested (Government Code§ 1097)
• Members of the Legislature convicted of any crime (Government Code § 9055)
• Corrupting the voting process ( Election Code § 18501)
Plea e note that, in addition to the above re trictions, Government Code§ 1126 prohibits any local agency
official from engaging
"in any employment, activity, or enterpri e for compensation which i incon i tent, incompatible,
in conflict with, or inimical to his or her duties a a local agency officer or employee or with the
dutie , functions, or re pon ibilitie of his or her appointing power or the agency by which he
or he is employed."
Application - La Mesa-Sprin g Valley Board of Education Page 7 of7
Rebekah Ann Basson

Work Experience:
September 2015 - Current: A dmini trative A i tant and Event Coordinator at
Foothills Chri tian Church
Currently, I am employed full-time as the administrative assistant to the
Administrative Pastor, Kevin Miller. This position also includes event coordination for
certain events at or with the church. Foothills Christian Church is an active member of
the East County Chamber of Commerce; therefore several of the events I plan and
execute are done in coordination with the ECCC. As an administrative assistant, I am
required to check not only my own message , emails, faxe , mail, etc., but also that of my
employer, Kevin Miller. During the day, I attend to whatever business Kevin needs me to,
and these tasks range from making phone calls to setting appointments, to running
errands, and to helping with any and all administrative work Kevin does. I am also
proficient in managing and creating budgets, as well as creating expense reports and
weekly service attendance reports.
Jul y 2015 - September 2015: Hoste s -Hotel Del Coronado
I hostessed for two restaurants at the Hotel Del Coronado: an Artisan Pizzeria and
wine bar, ENO, and also for the hotel's fine dining restaurant, 1500 Ocean. Hostessing
required me to arrive before meal times to help the serving staff set the restaurants and
prepare for meal service. Once the restaurants opened for service, I greeted each guest,
prepared tables for reservations, and coordinated seating so as not to overnrhelm the
servers. I was also required to help with inventory of restaurant items, including the wine
room, and shutting down after each shift required putting away my hostessing station,
helping the servers clear tables of food, dishes, etc. and doing the light conclusive
inventory of the night. This position required me to have strong communication skills and
exemplary customer service.
February 2015 -M ay 2015: Marketer/Administrative A sistant- Farmers In urance
As a marketer and assistant, I was required to do daily tasks such as checking emails
and messages; serve as receptionist; maintain my agent's calendar; schedule
appointments and coordinate meetings and events for my agent; provide administrative
support; make hard and digitized copies and file hard and digitized documents; send
faxes and compose packets of insurance information; contact current customers and
ensure effective communication, as well as contacting leads and prospective customers;
make cold calls; create Excel spreadsheets and mail mergers. The position of assistant
also required me to have strong computer skills and a working knowledge of computer
programs and systems, including Microsoft Office and Google programs. Much of the
insurance business was new to me and therefore required me to learn on my feet and to
learn from experience.
Rebekah Ann Basson

May 2012 - December 2013: Private In-Home Childcare
(July 2013 - January 2014) I provided in-home childcare for three children, ages
2, 3, and 6. This supervision included changing diaper , making meal , providing
transportation to and from school for the 3 year old, assisting in school work with the 6
year old, and keeping all three children on-schedule for naps, meals, etc.
(May 2012 - March 2013) I provided in-home childcare for two children, one of
which has Down's syndrome and requires singular supervi ion and special care. I
provided transportation for them, made their meals and as i ted in schoolwork. Taking
care of a child with special needs required me to have the ability and willingness to
follow direction concerning the child accurately and precisely, in order to make sure all
her needs were met and that she thrived and grew in her environment.
March 2013 - January 2014: Private In-Home Geriatric Care
I provided in-home care for an elderly woman who had become di abled due to a
stroke and was no longer able to care for herself. General duties included gently moving
her from bed to sitting position, assisting in taking her to the re troom, making meals,
attending any pecific needs she had, giving medication , and keeping her on a regular
bathroom and sleeping schedule.
July 2011- May 2012: Stylist -L evi Strauss and Co.
As a stylist, I was involved with maintaining product inventory, providing
exemplary customer assistance, demonstrating professional courtesy, following directions
accurately and precisely , assisting in fashion choices as well as keeping an orderly and
clean work area. This position required personable, welcoming , and enthusiastic customer
service and professionalism. I always met or exceeded weekly employee performance
quotas and was often commended by supervisors for my contribution to overall store
produc tivity and employee camaraderie.
Education
• Calvary Chapel Bible College, Graduated May 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts
Degree in Theology; GPA 3.8
• University of Georgia, pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education with a
Teaching Certificate ; GPA 3.65
• Gordon State College , pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a
Teaching Certificate; GPA 3.75
• Truett-McConnell College , pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humaniti es;
GPA3.8
Rebekah Ann Basson

Certificates, Internships, Awards, and Volunteer Positions
• Senate, Congressional, County, & State Assembly Recognition of Leader hip
(2017)
• Graduate of the 2016-2017 East County Chamber of Commerce Leader hip
Program
• Secretary/ Assi tant in Admissions Department at Calvary Chapel Bible College
(Feb. 2015 - May 2015)
• Server at Calvary Chapel Conference Center (Feb. 2014-May 2015)
• Volunteer Barista at Calvary Chapel Conference Center's coffee shop, The
Overflowing Cup (May 2014- June 2014)
• Volunteer Teacher's Aide for 2nd Grade Class at Strong Rock Christian School
(2013)
• Congressional Intern for U.S. Congressman Paul Broun (January 2011 -
December 2011) (Letter of Recommendation available upon request)
• Short-term Humanitarian Trips to Guatemala and Dominican Republic
• Winner of the 2010 Republican Women of Henry County Scholarship
Civic Involvement
• East County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program Graduate (August 2016
- June 2017)
• Homeless Task Force (January 2017 - Current)
• ConnectEC - A mobile web ite/texting short code compiling resources for
homelessness available in East County; Est. 2017
• Admini trative involvement in the East County Economic Development Council
• East County Chamber of Commerce events
• Communications Team (Foothills Christian Church): Marketing, Promotion, and
Coordination of all events at and through Foothills Christian Church
Events Planned & Coordinated
• Seven ewcomer 's Receptions (approx. 100 people)
• Two Mayor Prayer Lunch (2016 & 2017)- approximately 400 people
• Two Church Picnics (2016 & 2017) - Planning for 1000 people
• Fundraisers (Winter Youth Benefit 2015)
• Talents Challenge 2015 (Affected approximately 45 homele s people)