AT&T, Southern California Edison provide grants for training new school board members

Business Wire, Feb 23, 1995

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 1995--AT&T and Southern California Edison have each contributed a grant to a California School Boards Foundation program in Southern California to train newly elected school board members in the responsibilities of their office.

"New school board members come into office with boundless enthusiasm and energy, but oftentimes feel overwhelmed with the complexity of school finance, budgeting, legal requirements and curriculum," said California School Boards Association Executive Director Davis W. Campbell. "Comprehensive training through our program enables them to be well prepared and effective. We are grateful to AT&T and Southern California Edison who see the value of this training."

AT&T contributed $10,000 and Southern California Edison contributed $2,000 to the Institute for New and First-Term School Board Members held in Southern California Feb. 24 and 25 in Newport Beach. Through corporate sponsorship, the CSB Foundation is able to offer the two-day institute to new board members nearly tuition-free. In its five years of operation, the program has provided training for more than 2,000 California school board members statewide.

"AT&T is committed to advancing K-12 fundamental school reform," said Ross Markwardt, AT&T's public relations vice president. "We believe that the Institute for New and First-Term School Board Members serves a vital purpose in making new board members more aware of the role they play in implementing educational reforms."

"School board members hold our future in their hands," said Tani Welsh, manager of Educational Services, Southern California Edison. "We believe training for this critical responsibility is a good investment in quality education for all children."

Course work for the Institute for New and First-Term School Board Members was developed by education consultants, school superintendents and school trustees from across the state. There is a focus on budget, personnel policies and practices, and curriculum, with sessions on building essential teamwork between and among the board, superintendent and staff.

The California School Boards Association is a nonprofit association representing more than 5,000 locally elected school board members throughout California. The CSB Foundation, a separate entity, supports the goals of CSBA by providing support and training for school board members, conducting policy research and analysis of education issues, and recognizing educational leadership and achievements in California.

CONTACT: California School Boards Association

Patti Roberts, 916/371-4691