School board candidate Dave Kemp

Current school board member Dave Kemp has lived in Burbank since September 1966. He was employed by Burbank Unified for more than three decades, working as a teacher, coach and athletic director. Kemp served for years on the Burbank Teachers Assn. negotiations team, and was part of the committee that helped develop school-site councils in the mid-1990s.

Kemp was first elected to the school board in 2003, emerging from a field of 15 candidates. He was re-elected in 2007 after his seat went unchallenged.

Why are you seeking reelection?

The majority of my adult life has been in the service of Burbank Unified School District, having served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, mentor teacher and Board of Education member.

I wish to continue to serve the district and the community of Burbank. In these very uncertain economic times, I believe experienced leadership is important to the future of the district and the students we serve.

The academic gains over the past several years have been the result of hard work by teachers, administrators and board leadership. We are on the correct path, and I do want to be at the forefront of leading Burbank schools to even greater academic success.

There is much to be accomplished, including keeping up with the technology revolution in education, future modernization plans to ensure all schools are readied to become schools of the future, and providing for the needs of all children in achieving maximum academic, social and economic success in their lives.

In order to continue to provide the great education our students deserve, we must remain fiscally sound, while maintaining the very high quality of teachers and staff we currently have. My children received an excellent education in Burbank schools, and my grandchildren will too.

What is the district doing well?

Burbank Unified is providing a great education for our children, as evidenced by the significant rise in the Academic Performance Index score. Graduates from our high schools are attending the most prestigious universities in America. The dropout rate in Burbank Unified comprehensive schools is among the best in the state, as well as our student attendance rate of 97%.

The district offers a well rounded academic program, as well as being an "Arts for All District." We offer extracurricular programs that meet the needs and interests of all students. Students learn in a safe and clean environment.