We asked all five candidates for the Castro Valley Unified School District Board of Directors to answer the same questions in their blog post: What do you view as the biggest challenge (or challenges) facing CVUSD now, and how will you work to address it (them) in the next four years?

My name is Suresh C. Gupta, and I am running for a seat on the Education Board for the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD). Below are some of the biggest challenges facing CVUSD.

Education is My Passion
I want to see as many students as possible complete high school and pursue higher education to maximize their potential. We all know there are students who struggle for a variety of reasons and even drop out from high school. As a board member, I want to help reduce gap achievement and minimize the student dropout rate. I have always put a premium on education. I completed a BS in Mechanical Engineering in India, and was the first person from my family to attend college.  Soon after immigrating to the US (California) in 1970, I completed a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University. My education allowed me to become a Principal Nuclear Engineer at General Electric.

Diversity
Castro Valley consists of students of many different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is the diversity that provides both opportunities and challenges. I have worked with several major private companies, city, state and federal governments where I have collaborated with people from all walks of life, ethnicity and income.  I have significant experience with managing projects and seeing them through.  As board member, I hope to share my life experiences and thoughts to increase access to all students in our district.

Community Involvement
I seek to ensure that good decisions are made by CVUSD regarding administrative positions, teacher relations, and parental involvement through better communication with the community, facility development and financial obligations, especially with the approval of Measure G in Castro Valley. It is only through the involvement of parents working with our wonderful teachers that our district will continue its rise to prominence.  Personally, I have been actively volunteering in one of the Elementary school classrooms and in school PTA events for several years in our school district. I believe strong elementary education builds stronger foundation for students. Only wonderful teachers and parents involvement can get this accomplished. I have been serving on the Palomares Hills Safety and Common Areas Committees. I am a mentor and merit badge counselor for a local Boy Scout Troop in Castro Valley.

Financial
I will seek to ensure classroom spending is done for offering better education, various elective courses in science, art, music, and vocational activities for students.  Extra resources will continue to be allocated for low-income, English as a second language (ESL), and students with special needs to lower gap achievement. As a nuclear engineer, I value a strong science and math curriculum, but I understand that a well-rounded education includes literature/language, sports, art and music.  We are trying to assist in the development of accomplished, respectable young adults.  Personally, I have two grandchildren attending public schools in Castro Valley. I regularly experience the positive impact a strong school community makes on students in leading them to a path of success.

Safety of Students and Staff
With so much happening in schools around our nation, we always need to ensure safety and security of students, teachers and CVUSD staff. As a board member, I will ensure safety and security programs are enforced in each school in collaboration with local law and enforcement organizations.

Conclusion
As a member of the education board, I will commit my time and effort to ensure the growth and success of students in our wonderful school district. I will always be there to listen to community concerns.

I respectfully ask you vote for Suresh Gupta for the CVUSD school board.  A vote for Suresh means a brighter future for our youth!

Back to November 2016 Candidate Statements