Dads on Board

Q&A with Chris
PTA Board Treasurer, Parent of Third Grade Thunderbolt Logan and Dazzling Dragon Colin

Please tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
Professionally, I have an accounting and finance background. I started in public accounting with one of the big four public accounting firms. A few years back I made the transition to industry where I currently hold a leadership role in the accounting and finance group of Arista Networks.

Tell us a little bit about your family.  What are some things you and your family like to do for fun?
My wife (Ali) and I have three kids. We have two boys at Village and we have a daughter a few years out. When the kids aren’t busy on the local sports fields, we spend our time at the beach, hunting, fishing and generally causing havoc. We also enjoy spending time with our large extended family and friends.

How many years has your family been at Village School?
We are in our fourth year at Village. We have a third and first grader and a three year old who already feels like a member of the Village community.

What originally attracted you to Village? As time has gone by, what have you found most rewarding about being a Village parent?
Ali campaigned hard for Village from the start. She is a scientist by education and gravitated towards the research-based educational benefits the school provides. The idea of nurturing the whole child with a focus on community and positive discipline really appealed to her senses.

For me the attraction grew over time. I was supportive of the concepts but the transition into the school and community can be a bit overwhelming. I was uncertain about the level of involvement I was comfortable with given I didn’t plan on participating in the classroom work shifts. Over time I’ve grown to really appreciate the school and community. I’m happy I’ve found a way to contribute to the community and look forward to being more involved.

I appreciate that we belong to a community where the parents care enough to have a sense of responsibility over all the kids in the community. I appreciate there is a presence that acknowledges that every kid’s wellbeing is important. I also like that we look for solutions that encourage education over punishment. Implicit in this idea is the concept that all parties matter.

How does your Board job (and those who report to you) work to serve the school community?
The finance team consists of the financial secretary, bookkeeper, auditor and treasurer. Together we administer and safeguard the PTA’s financial resources. We execute in accordance with strict financial controls to ensure the funds provided by the community are spent when and where intended. Both the Board and community have input on our budgeting process so our focus is really on recording and reporting on the execution.

Is there anything you’d like to share with other Village Dads about being involved with the Board and/or volunteering at school?
I would just encourage them to participate at a pace they feel comfortable with.

Q&A with Rich
PTA Vice President, Parent of California King Snake Stella and Dazzling Dragon Juliet 

Please tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background? What are your interests?
I am a stay-at-home dad to four kids, ages 3-7. I was born in Orange County, then moved to Los Gatos in high school, where I met and started dating my wife, Adreanne. I went through paramedic schooling in San Jose and studied marketing at San Jose State.

I stopped pursuing a career as a firefighter/paramedic and working as a custom homebuilder when our second daughter Juliet was born in 2009.

My interests are my family and friends, almost all sports, traveling, food, design, woodworking, and music.

Tell us a little bit about your family.  What are some things you and your family like to do for fun?
We are a family of 6, fortunate to have my wife’s parents living next door (I was very lucky in the “in-laws” department). We enjoy traveling and outdoor activities.

How many years has your family been at Village School?
2 years, going on our 3rd.

What originally attracted you to Village, and what keeps you excited about being here?
Village provided our family the chance to be part of our children’s education, and more a part of their lives during these far-too-fast elementary years.

What are some of your favorite and most rewarding moments on campus?
In the two years I’ve been here, watching my children enjoy their friends, amazing teachers, and interactions with so many amazing parents has been the most rewarding part of my experience so far. I also feel so very fortunate to have been able to be a part of so many other kids’ school lives through centers and school work shifts.

How does your Board job work to serve the school community?
The VP Board position allows me to have a part in many of our school’s decisions and to make sure they are true to our Village values and the community’s wishes.

Is there anything you’d like to share with other Village Dads about being involved with the Board and/or volunteering at school?
We all have unique abilities that can help shape and improve our children’s experiences here at Village. So, if you have the opportunity to get involved, it will certainly enhance your life having all these children be more a part of yours.