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: 619-668-5700 Fax: 619-668-4619 (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)
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