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Kathy Hennig profile provided for nov 2 1999 election

I am a candidate for the school board and would like your support. I am involved in education both as a volunteer and in my job with the community college district. I have experience maximizing the limited funds for schools and am committed to providing the best education possible to our students. I am especially interested in improving school facilities and test scores. Working with our teachers and parents I know we can create schools we can be proud of. Please join me in making West Contra Costa schools a place for learning and success. I am concerned and knowledgeable. While most of the candidates running have an educational background, they do not have the business and management background I have. My background emphasizes results. I understand public finance and the challenges teachers face. We need my experience on the board to deal with our fiscal crisis. I currently work for an urban district with similar challenges. I am pragmatic, and don't mind getting my hands dirty to solve a problem. I deal with federal and state grants on a daily basis, to assure expenditures fit into grant constraints while providing good value for tax dollars spent. I have a proven track record of stretching available dollars to meet school needs.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

15 years of business management experience. Demonstrated skills in organization, communication, purchasing and financial planning. Experience in contract preparation and budgeting. Known as an efficient, dedicated administrator. Most recent experience:

Head of Purchasing at City College of San Francisco, 1996 to present. City College is the largest college in the nation.

Accomplishments: Reduced order processing delays from 3 months to less than 1 week to get supplies and equipment into the classroom quickly. Introduced on-line ordering to district to reduce paperwork and order delays. Personally responsible for saving the District $14,960 on supply and equipment purchases the last 4 months. During the same time period, I negotiated free merchandise for teachers (computer cases, carts, cookies, electric staplers). I helped draft a District local/minority business policy to encourage business opportunities with small, local businesses.

Senior Planner/Distributor, Buyer (The Nature Company, Mervyn’s, Beall’s, ASU), 1985 to 1996.

Accomplishments: Named “Employee Who Makes a Difference” by store managers at the Nature Company, 1993. Developed and implemented regional merchandising which increased profitability. Designed a computerized planning and distribution system for a regional company. Solely responsible for a new uniform program for American Airlines, a project valued at over $1.3 million. First Woman Executive at Beall’s Stores. Awarded “MVP-Mervyn’s Volunteer Program” in 1990 and “Mervyn’s Volunteer of the Year” in 1986.

Masters degree in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Golden Gate University, with an emphasis in state and local government. Coursework in public policy, grantwriting, and public finance.

Bachelor’s degree in Music, Marketing and Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University. Named to Dean’s List in all three disciplines.

Teaching credential, Secondary Education, State of Texas (life) Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) from the National Association of Purchasing Management

MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS:

Contra Costa Legal Compliance Review Committee, C.C.C. Office of Education

State-wide Textbook Adoption Committee, Language Arts

Pi Alpha Alpha, National Public Administration Honor Society

CA Association of Public Purchasing Officers

Who’s Who Among American Women, 2000

National Association of Female Executives

Mu Phi Epsilon, Professional Music Sorority

Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority

Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, 1982

Community Women’s Orchestra (former member)

West County Wind Ensemble (former member), part of the Adult Education Program

Former Director, Jon Sims Center for the Performing Arts

Volunteer, SHARE community food co-op

Donor, Richmond Public Library, 1999

PRIORITIES:

As a member of the board, I will strive to improve inter-personal relationships on the board itself, stressing cooperation and mutual respect.

I will promote civility at board meetings, I will do all in my power to support the hiring and retention of the best teachers available for the District.

I will support policies that support the District goals: achievement, attendance, safety, and behavior. My focus will be on improving test scores and graduation rates.

I was speaking to a librarian in El Sobrante a couple weeks ago. She was bemoaning the limited hours the library was open, and the lack of books with children of color, for her mostly minority clientele. I went and bought a dozen or so titles for her, along with a handful of computer supplies. I am organizing another donation...it will be my 4th this year. I don't pontificate much-I just do. I would like to help.

“Our kids deserve better”.

Endorsed by:

Diana Easton, WCCUSD Board of Education - President

Stephen J. Herman, Human Rights Commissioner, San Francisco

Campaign Fund for K. Hennig 13350 San Pablo Ave., A-1, PMB#117, San Pablo, CA 94806

email: katband@flash.net