Strickland running for Hart District board re-election.
William S. Hart School District board member Paul Strickland outlined his list of top priorities Thursday night at a campaign fundraiser for his re-election.
Building a new high school in Castaic took center stage during Strickland’s address to supporters.
“My number one priority is to honor the Measure SA bond, which was passed overwhelmingly by voters in Santa Clarita,” Strickland said. “[I plan to] honor that by building a high school in Castaic. Identifying a site and building it as quickly as possible is the number one priority.”
Measure SA provided specific funds for the construction of the high school.
Also on Strickland’s radar is continuing with modernization projects.
“Of course, we must build those performing arts centers at Canyon and Saugus high schools, and complete the modernization for the rest of the schools,” he said. “In doing so, I pledge to ensure accountability for that bond money, and to see to it that the work is completed in a timely manner.”
Strickland also touted student achievement in his address.
“The greatest thing about the Hart District schools is the fact that over 90% of our sophomores pass the high school exit exam the first time they take it,” he said. “We also rank in the top 20 percent in both math and English language in the entire nation. We want to maintain that, and we want to ensure that we can continue to provide students with a quality education in a safe environment, because student success leads the way to our future.”
Strickland is the lone incumbent in the Hart district race, to be decided November 3rd. Others vying for one of the three open seats are Joe Messina, Bob Jensen, Suzan Soloman and Linda Valdez.