Julie Svitenko, a candidate for one of the two spots open on Conejo Valley Unified School District's board, would bring a unique perspective to the group.

Julie and Steve Svitenko's two daughters have both faced challenges, and both have grown into happy, well-adjusted, young girls.

Sophia, 11, has special needs and is in the resource program at Redwood Middle School.

"She has some short-term memory problems, and we've gone through the things that accompany that, the picking on and the bullying," Svitenko said.

Svitenko said she writes a letter to the teacher each year about the surgeries Sophia's had and the battles she faces.

"When you tell the students what she's up against, instead of looking at her as weird, they think, 'How brave. How can I help her?'" Svitenko said. "When you tap into a child's compassion, you'd be surprised how accepting they are."

The Svitenkos also have a 7yearold who just became proficient enough in English to be removed from the English as a second-language program. Samantha was adopted from Russia when she was 1½ years old.

Julie Svitenko "Since we had one special needs daughter, we were up for the challenge," Svitenko said. "We went to Siberia for a month—she was very ill. But she has literally no developmental issues and has done so well. I'm so proud of her."

Svitenko said she'll bring her knowledge of the district's special programs to the job, but she has a lot of other ideas for issues all across the board.

The school closure process served as one of the many catalysts that pushed Svitenko to run.

"I do believe all the board members—and everyone running—have the students' best interest at heart," Svitenko said. "But there were so many parents with suggestions and improvements to the process, and I really think I can take things in a more positive direction."

Although her daughter attends University Elementary, Svitenko is adamant about the fact that she's not running to reverse the school's closure.

She does, however, think the enrollment numbers need to be reexamined and the need to close two schools reconsidered.

Svitenko also thinks the board made a mistake when they didn't approve the proposition to make Meadows an arts magnet school. Parents are now looking to create a charter, which could pull students from the district.

Svitenko also plans to focus on developing stronger arts, sports and science programs as well as more vocational programs in high schools.

"Let's get a little innovative," she said. "We can help keep students from leaving and keep them excited in the classroom."

She'd also like the district to develop a more proficient energy policy and have the schools go solar.

"We should be a district that is leading, not following."

Svitenko said she's well aware of the reduced budgets the district is facing but says it's time to get creative. In particular, she'd like to see a 25-school fundraiser for a common cause: technology.

Svitenko grew up in Chicago, and she and her husband arrived in Thousand Oaks five years ago. She worked in marketing for 15 years and retired when Samantha came to live with them.

Svitenko has spent the last year attending board meetings after her two-year stint on University's school site council. Before that she volunteered in the classroom, served on the ParentTeacher Association and taught art and music classes.

"I bring a very positive attitude and new ideas," Svitenko said. "I don't think I can do change all by myself—I'd be one member of that board.

"I'm definitely pro-teacher, but we need parent views to balance the district recommendations. When we bring that together, that's where we get excellence."

For more information, contact Svitenko at jsvitenko@att.net.