Published September 1st, 2010
Acalanes Union High School District - No Election
By Jean Follmer
Three individuals, including two incumbents, filed as candidates for three open positions on the Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board. Since there was an even number of candidates and open spots, Susie Epstein, Tom Mulvaney and Richard Whitmore will be appointed in lieu of election.
Susie Epstein
Susie Epstein has lived in Orinda for nine years. She has a son at Miramonte and a daughter at Tufts University. As an active community volunteer, Epstein recently co-chaired the successful Measure A campaign where she worked closely with parent leaders and volunteers from all four cities (Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek) in the Acalanes Union High School District. Epstein said that experience inspired her to run for public office for the first time. She is also Vice President of the Friends of the Orinda Library Board and is a co-recipient of the 2010 Su Stauffer Friends of Education Award.
"As a board member, I will bring passion and energy to the task of maintaining the highest quality academic and extracurricular programs while keeping an eye on the bottom line. I'm looking forward to serving the young people in our communites," said Epstein
Tom Mulvaney (Incumbent)
Tom is a businessman who says he has been honored to serve on the Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board for four years. Tom and his family moved to Lafayette 22 years ago because of the exceptional Lamorinda public schools. "Although I worked in Silicon Valley, we kept our home in Lamorinda because of the people and the schools. The Acalanes Union High School District is the best high school district in California and one of the best in the United States," said Mulvaney, adding that he appreciates the fact that his position on the Governing Board enables him to work closely with the excellent AUHSD staff and the involved "can do" people of the Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek communities.
Richard Whitmore (Incumbent)
Richard Whitmore will be starting his third term on the AUHSD Governing Board in December. Whitmore said he signed on for another term, "because we are in the midst of a generational shift and will see a big change as baby boomers start to retire over the next four years." Whitmore wants to help maintain the student-centered culture the Board has developed during those transitions. He values the exciting technology work in the District and believes they should continue to focus on student health "and ensure there is rigorous programming around 'healthy choices.'" Whitmore said the Governing Board has worked very hard to prevent budget issues from affecting the District's core programs.
"It's a privilege to be involved in this district. I live here because I've been able to send my children through truly exceptional public schools with world-class teachers, and I'm grateful every day for the experience. I know the Lamorinda and Walnut Creek communities share this gratitude," said Whitmore.

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