Share this pageFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2002
For More Information, Contact:
Karen Brunton at (650) 688-6384
SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) will be visiting Oak Elementary School in the Los Altos School District on Thursday, October 10, from 11:15 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Simitian will be teaching fourth graders for 45 minutes and will then meet with parents and educators for lunch and discussion. The public school serves students in grades K-6.
Cathy Gilliard, one of the fourth grade teachers at Oak, served as a Visiting Fellow in Simitian’s legislative office this past summer. “It was wonderful having Cathy and her teaching expertise in my office, providing a first hand perspective on education issues,” Simitian noted. “In our informal exchange program, I’m eager to step into her world and briefly gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a teacher or student in the Los Altos area.”
Simitian is a former School Board Member, Past President of the Santa Clara County School Boards Association, and public schools attorney who represented school districts around the State prior to entering public office full time. He currently serves as the Chair of Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, which oversees roughly $50 billion in spending on California’s K-12 and higher education systems.
“Spending the summer in Assemblyman Simitian’s office provided me with new insights into how state government works,” said Gilliard. “I’m delighted that Joe is bringing first-hand knowledge of the Capitol to my school in Los Altos. The students are very excited to meet him and ask questions.”
“When I was a local school board member,” said Simitian, “I had more opportunities to spend time in the classroom. I miss it. Working with students is one of the more satisfying parts of my job.”
WHO: Assemblyman Joe Simitian
WHAT: Visit to Oak Elementary School
WHEN: Thursday, October 10, 11:15 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
WHERE:
1501 Oak Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94024
For more information, please call Assemblyman Simitian’s district office at (650) 688-6384.
* Note to Assignment Editor: Photographers are welcome.