The Ubiquitous They - Bonnie Weidel

How long have you lived in Benicia? Since 1978. I had been looking for (a house) in the territory, Contra Costa, East Bay, but we came to Benicia for some reason and found a house that had just what I wanted.  It had a lower floor that I could use as a studio. I was interested in hearing people talking about how they explicitly chose their house for the view. I was looking for a house with a studio. It didn’t occur to me to look for a view.

What made you decide to run for the Benicia school board? There was an opening and somebody came to our outdoor art classes talking about the needs of the school board. And I said, “Gee should I run? Should I step up?” I got a phone call saying “You will,” and I said “OK, I will.” I’ve taught public school, high school, continuation school, kindergarten, preschool and private schools. What happened was we had a strike in Concord, and two-thirds of the people from the schools were on the street. We were walking (the picket line); this was a very divisive thing. I realized that the school would only go as far as the public let it go. So I said, “I can’t effect change from within my school. I’m going to have to get outside to effect change.” So when I moved to Benicia, I got involved with the community. 

What has been the biggest surprise since you have been on the Benicia school board? I think the biggest surprise has been being one vote and not being able to build consensus. It makes you search your soul, your experience and your personal bias.

What’s the one thing you would want to accomplish while in office?  We are establishing an unofficial ad hoc committee with a group of parents and myself to visit different elementary art programs to see how they are structured, how they are funded, how they are equipped, and come back to the district with some ideas on how we can establish a districtwide supported, administered art program. It’s (important because) it is brain development. It’s all about kids working together, empathizing with each other, understanding tools, understanding materials, understanding numbers, rules, relationships, cause and effect. All of those happen when they work with their hands on. And the research shows that hands-on learning is the way kids learn.