Pleasanton Unified School District Candidate Q&A: Sandy Piderit

Pleasanton Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background.

What is the primary reason you are running for the school board?

Because I am passionate about education, and I have faced challenges somewhat like those that Pleasanton's school district is facing now, with a declining budget.

I want to offer my professional skills to engage a broader cross-section of Pleasanton residents in discussing school issues and supporting current and future students.

I want to offer my management skills to coach district leaders on ways to maintain morale in a challenging work environment.

What is the biggest problem/biggest issue that PUSD needs to tackle?

Dealing with a more limited budget while continuing to focus on the core skills students need to learn.

What will be your priority if you get elected?

Communication with Pleasanton residents. Parents, teachers and staff understand some of the budget cuts, but many residents without kids in school do not. My priority will be to talk with Pleasanton residents in person, and reach out to them in print and online.

Have you run before for an elected public office?

No.

However, I feel compelled to offer my skills for the benefit of Pleasanton's students and residents. I have an emotional link to the success of Pleasanton students as a parent.

This is the same emotional link that draws other Pleasanton residents to volunteer and support our schools, for the benefit of our children.

I'm confident that my specific skills in the fields of education and management would be of value to the community.

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I work part-time at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. I am a visiting associate professor of management and public policy.

The MBA students I teach have made tough choices as leaders in the armed forces. They also know the pain of loss firsthand. My teaching offers them new ideas for how to maintain organizational effectiveness, while addressing the emotions that are under the surface in their work contexts.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

As a business professor, I have experience with making learning powerful. I have taught undergraduates and MBA students, graded tests and papers, assigned course grades, counseled stressed students, and redesigned course offerings.

I also have experience in making tough choices when declining budgets mean that some programs must be cut. I believe that fundraising and grantwriting could be ways to generate new funding. The school board and the residents must also think hard about the long-term sustainability of continuing current programs.

Age and birthplace?

I'm 41 and I was born in Stamford, Connecticut.

How long have you lived in Pleasanton?

We moved to Pleasanton two years ago. I jumped right into participating in the schools as a volunteer, and I also took the time to attend many school board meetings and talk with other Pleasanton residents. 

What are the names and ages of your children, if any?

Julia, age 9, attends Alisal Elementary in Pleasanton.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended and the degrees you attained.

I attended public schools in Connecticut until the end of 8th grade.

My family then moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where I lived for five years. I completed an International Baccalaureate degree at the International School of Geneva in 1987.

I returned to the US as a first-year undergraduate, and completed a B.A. in mathematics in 1991 at Case Western Reserve University.

I worked my way through graduate school in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I married my husband, Scott. I earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration in 1999.

What's your favorite thing about Pleasanton?

Exploring Pleasanton's downtown and many parks with my husband, our daughter, and our dog!

Have you ever served in the military?

No.
 
As an adult, have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No.

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?

No.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

No

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal.

Not sure. I'm doing my best to run a frugal campaign.

Do you have a website where Patch readers can learn more?

http://www.sandyp4schoolboard.com

I also have a Facebook page for my campaign, and a twitter page.