NEW SD UNIFIED SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT TO SPEAK ON “POLITICS AND PRAGMATISM” IN LA MESA APRIL 3

April 3, 2013 (La Mesa) -- Cindy Marten, newly appointed Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District, will be the featured speaker at the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club April 3rd meeting.  She will address challenges facing modern urban school districts like San Diego's.  San Diego Unified is struggling with a large budget deficit and is planning to sell off $50 million worth of its properties to help achieve a balance. Over 60% of the new funds coming from Proposition 30's tax increase is already committed to pay for overdue raises and other staff expenses.

Rather than holding a nationwide search, the School Board selected Marten as the unanimous choice for Superintendent.  This was a result of her accomplishments as principal of Central Elementary School in City Heights, where she oversaw a dramatic increase in test scores at Central Elementary, a school serving a community where nearly all families are low income and English-learners. 

Her tearful response to the accolades given her at the announcement was, "What an incredible honor.  I believe in the hope and promise of public education in America, but I believe in doing the work to show America what good schools are all about."  

The La Mesa-Foothills program will be held on April 3rd at the La Mesa Community Center, located at 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.The meeting opens at 7:00 pm and is preceded by social time at 6:30, where light refreshments are served.