Finders has the leadership we need

Finders has the leadership we need

I recently had the privilege of hearing former Mayor Rudy Giuliani speak on the principles of leadership. He stated that there were five basic principles, namely: 1. Know what you believe in. 2. Relentless preparation. 3. Teamwork. 4. Be an optimist. 5. Communication.

When we look at the challenges facing our school board, it is critical that we elect members who espouse these qualities. It has been my privilege to know Terilyn Finders for the past eight years. As the PFA president of Yerba Buena Elementary School and then as a member and president of our school board, Terilyn lives and breathes these qualities every day. It is who she is.

The first principle: Know what you believe in. Terilyn always brings an issue back to: "Is it a child-centered decision? Are we doing what is best for our kids?" The second principle: Relentless preparation. Terilyn’s unyielding dedication to learning all the facts, be they educational, environmental, legal, organizational etc., is exemplary. Her focus on getting all the facts and understanding all sides of an issue is what makes her so effective in resolving issues. Her dedication provides a way for us to move forward in pursuit of the best "child-centered decisions." The third principle: Teamwork. From her many years as the PFA president to her current position, Terilyn Finders has a unique gift in helping us believe that we can all make a difference. Terilyn always emphasizes collaboration between teachers, administrators, parents, students and board members in the pursuit of bringing the best in education to our children. The fourth principle: Be an optimist. If you know Terilyn, and I hope you do, she is always helping us realize how lucky we are and how much potential we have to make a difference for our kids. Her belief and passion in this mission is contagious. The fifth principle: Communication. Terilyn Finders has worked all her life to fine-tune the skills necessary to communicate effectively. Her dedication to the written and spoken word, as well as her understanding of how much preparation and learning is involved in order to become a qualified board member makes her a leader that we trust.

We need real leadership. I hope you will vote with me and elect Terilyn Finders to our school board.

Devery Holmes

Agoura Hills