FONSECA

for HISD District 3 Trustee

RAMIRO

elect

Contact: Ramiro Fonseca 713.502.5913 (ramfonseca@aol.com) Houston, TX Monday, August 22, 2011 Today, Ramiro Fonseca, a financial aid associate with Houston Community College, filed as candidate to serve as trustee on the HISD Board of Education District III. Mr. Fonseca has been a strong advocate of education throughout his professional career, in his role as community leader, citizen and volunteer. He has enthusiastically advised and assisted thousands of students and families offering guidance on paying for college and on pursuing their career goals. I am running for HISD School Trustee because I believe our district is at a crossroads and it needs someone with a clear vision on how to turn things around. Our families and business leaders are disappointed that HISD is not cultivating college-ready students. They fear that these same students will not be able to meet the demands of an educated workforce. My background has given me the opportunity to offer concrete solutions to bridge the gap that exists today. About Ramiro Fonseca: Ramiro received his Bachelors Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University where he is currently pursuing his Masters degree. Among his community and civic affiliations, Ramiro has served as President of the Houston Hispanic Forum, a volunteer and non-profit organization that promotes education. He serves on the board of Legacy Community Health Services, Keep Houston Beautiful Commission, Mayor Annise Parkers Hispanic Advisory Board and is President of the HPD Eastside Division PIP. On the Issues: Ensure College and 21st Century Career Readiness for all Students: Preparing Students for the 21st Century - The jobs of today and even more so, the jobs of tomorrow will not only prefer but require degrees from institutions of higher learning. By 2018, the Business Roundtable estimates that 63 percent of new or replacement jobs in the United States will require at least some college education, while 45 percent will require at least a bachelors degree. A Quality Teacher in Every Classroom: Support a Teacher training initiative to improve the quality of teaching in our schools by focusing on teacher skills and capacity, working conditions, and compensation. Great teachers make a difference for children of all backgrounds. All children deserve great teachers.

Empower Parents With Real Choices: Wealthy families have economic school choice; they can choose neighborhoods with good schools, or send their children to private schools. However, low-income families historically have had limited school options and their children have been forced to attend low-performing schools. I believe in giving parents power to choose among several quality public school options as well as empowering them to force the turnaround of failing schools. No New Fees - Spend Taxpayer Resources Wisely to Get Better Results for Students: Because of the budget deficit, many school districts are choosing to charge new fees for extracurricular activities and transportation services. Charging fees can hurt poor students, especially those whose families just miss qualifying for a waiver. These families will be forced to choose between putting a meal on the table, or encouraging their child to participate in school. I believe in cutting the fat and using our resources toward uses that effectively promote student learning and raise the standards of the teaching profession.