The Los Angeles Times called Larry Aceves a "breath of fresh air" and said, "retired school superintendent Larry Aceves strikes us as best suited to manage the state's large education bureaucracy and to bring reason and optimism to schools that have been torn apart by shrinking budgets and battles over whether and how much they should be punished for falling short of achievement goals." The Contra Costa Times added, "Aceves is a nonpolitical outsider and has the experience, knowledge and independence to be an effective superintendent of public instruction." Larry Aceves—parent, teacher, principal and school superintendent—has dedicated his life to our schools. As a kindergarten teacher, he taught in overcrowded classes and wanted to do more. As a principal, he worked with parents and teachers to improve his school. As a school superintendent, he managed hundreds of teachers and balanced a $70 million budget by cutting out waste and requiring accountability. Test scores improved under Larry's leadership. He expanded preschool programs and fought to get gangs out of the schools. He was even named "Superintendent of the Year." Larry Aceves is not another termed out politician looking for a job. He has pledged to get politics out of schools, by meeting with students, parents and teachers at schools throughout California—not meeting with lobbyists in Sacramento. Join Larry's campaign to improve our schools. Go to www.larryaceves2010.com or on Facebook.

Teaching has been my life—and my passion—for the past 37 years. As a classroom teacher, coach, legislator and parent, I know our policies must be based on a simple question: What is in the best interest of our children? Not bureaucrats and not politicians. It's time we had a teacher who will put children first and fundamentally reform our schools. First, I will demand real accountability through a comprehensive fiscal and performance audit to cut waste and mismanagement and put those savings into new textbooks and computers. Second, I'll make sure all our neighborhood schools are safe and expand after school, job training and mentorship programs. I'm proud to have received the endorsement of virtually every major public safety organization in California including the California Professional Firefighters along with local classroom teachers. Third, we need involved parents to support teaching that character counts while promoting trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring and good citizenship. Fourth, I'll expand career technical education for high school students. Finally, I'll make the health and fitness of students a top priority. As Chair and Founder of the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, I led the effort to ban junk food from school campuses and expand physical education requirements. We can do this. We must do this. Our kids only get one chance at a good education. As a teacher, I have the experience, energy and ideas to transform our schools. Let's do this together. I'd be honored to earn your support.