EDITOR'S NOTE: Patch is running each Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees candidate's statement on file with the county Registrar of Voters office on consecutive days. Trustee Area No. 3 covers San Clemente. Candidate Yolanda McNamara did not file a candidate’s statement.
NAME: John Alpay
OCCUPATION: Governing Board Member, Capistrano Unified School District
Since taking office two years ago with over 69,000 votes, I have successfully restored stability to CUSD. Gone are the days of negative headlines in the mainstream media, replaced with a renewed focus within CUSD on education and the responsible use of taxpayer money.
While Sacramento cuts funding, CUSD still balances its budgets. I have successfully defended against efforts to eliminate academic programs, a decision justified by continued high test scores.
In fact, students now have more choices with new charter schools and programs. I led efforts to approve California Preparatory Academy, Oxford Preparatory Academy and the Mandarin Immersion Program.
With interest rates at historic lows, I am working to refinance existing school facilities bonds and Talega Mello Roos assessments included with property taxes. Once completed, San Clemente taxpayers will see lower property tax bills.
I have law and business degrees from UCLA, graduated from UC Berkeley and currently work as a corporate executive.
As a father with two children in CUSD schools and another in preschool, I want them to have the best education. As a taxpayer, I want my money spent responsibly. Please allow me the continued honor of representing San Clemente on the CUSD Board of Trustees.