Support for Cathy Parker

To the Editor:

I had the privilege of working with Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Cathy Parker for five years as a foster and homeless youth education liaison. Her combination of skill, knowledge, and compassion for students, especially those facing great challenges, is what makes her such a good steward of our education resources. She has the experience, vision, and leadership to take on the challenge of delivering high-quality education to every student in Tuolumne County.

Leading a county office of education requires a deep understanding of education laws and codes, and how they work to benefit our schools and students. A superintendent must also be a team leader, a fiscal manager, a thoughtful decision-maker, a long-range planner, and an active community member. Cathy Parker has all these qualities and a heart for children and families. She is committed to giving every student the best possible chance of success and supporting families in the important job of raising healthy children.

Experience is required to work at the highest level in almost any job. When I get on an airplane, I want to know the pilot is highly qualified at flying jets, not single-engine bush planes; I don't want to be the first patient a surgeon has operated on; I wouldn't hire an apprentice to be the contractor building my house; and if I need legal advice, I want a seasoned attorney, not someone who hasn't finished law school or passed the bar exam. Likewise, the person leading a county school system should be a great educator and a veteran administrator.

Tuolumne County schools deserve the best qualified and most experienced leader in the position of superintendent. That person is Cathy Parker. Please vote for her. Sincerely,

Mark Dyken Vallecito