School board candidate has strong background in sports
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

John Short

Sports are a big part of John Short's life, so it's no surprise they're featured in his campaign for a Conejo Valley Unified board spot.

"Giving our children in the community the best education possible, in conjunction with quality sports programs, allows our children to become more productive members of our adult society," Short said.

Short may be vice president of a big-time financial advisory company, but he's also a coach and president of the board of directors for Thousand Oaks Little League. According to Short, his involvement in the league, which recently won the 2006 Big League World Series Championship, gives him a whole different perspective.

"Over the past five years, I've been the president of a 20-member board of directors that has worked closely to provide the best possible youth sports program," Short said. "Each board member has different views and opinions, but all have the same common goal. In the end we have civility and harmony, which is paramount to the success of any board."

Whereas some people volunteer for events here and there, Short said his 365-day-a-year commitment to the Little League team shows his dedication to the community.

"I think I stand out head and shoulders above all the other candidates in my commitment to youth in the community," Short said. "That service in conjunction with the fact that I have a great ability to work with the City, the Parks and Recreation District, the school district and the other agencies here in our community."

Short named declining enrollment the most important challenge the district is facing.

"Challenges do offer opportunities," he said. "There are opportunities for all of us to become more involved through great organizations such as the Conejo Schools Foundation, which works with the local community to raise money for all the schools in our district."

Short stressed site-based decision-making as well.

"Even though we run a phenomenal school district," Short said, "allowing parents, teachers and faculty to make decisions on a school level makes the whole process better."

School-to-career programs are a major focus for Short, who also supports expanding funds for music, fine arts, technology and drama funding.

"I have a vested interest in ensuring that we continue to work closely with the children, parents and teachers to provide the best educational programs for all students," Short said, "for those that are in need of special attention, those that are gifted and those in the middle."

A Thousand Oaks resident for 11 years, Short is a financial adviser for UBS. He and his wife of 17 years, Susan, have two boys attending CVUSD schools. Short has volunteered with the National Ski Patrol in Big Bear for 16 years.

Any compensation he receives if elected will be going back to the schools, according to Short.