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13 <br /> Page 1 of 2 Clara Hess <br /> Volunteer Application <br /> Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions <br /> Name: Dr. Clara Hess <br /> Name Called: <br /> Home Address: 104 Huntington Dr. <br /> Chapel Hill NC 27514 <br /> Phone: 919-368-3030 <br /> Email: clara.hess@gmail.com <br /> Year of OC Residence: 2019 <br /> Township of Residence: Chapel Hill <br /> Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits <br /> Gender Identity: Female <br /> Ethnic Background: White <br /> Age Range: 35-59 <br /> Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: <br /> No official roles but member of Beth EI Synagogue and support my kids preschools. <br /> Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: <br /> None <br /> Boards/Commissions applied for: <br /> Bond Education Committee -2024 <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> From 2010-2015 1 worked for the of DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB), the authorizer of <br /> DC public charter schools. With an annual budget of$7.9 million and staff of 40, PCSB oversees <br /> 61 chartered local education agencies, across 112 campuses, serving over 38,000 students <br /> (44% of all DC public school students). During this time I served on the DC Facilities Task Force <br /> and learned a tremendous amount about the importance of community education and <br /> communication. I staffed several public meetings to help get input on plans and get word out <br /> about decisions. <br /> I also served as senior staff for a 12-member task force created by DC City Council to assess <br /> need for neighborhood preference in charter school admissions. I oversaw research of best <br /> practices and analysis of enrollment data, led public task force meetings and drafted task force <br /> report to City Council. Task force included officials from City Council, Office of the State <br /> Superintendent, Deputy Mayors€TMS Office, Washington Teachers Union, DC Public Schools, <br /> charter schools, and advocacy groups. We focused on ensuring equity and access for ALL <br /> students especially those from lower income Wards. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> I have had experience leading projects like this in Washington DC and learned a lot throughout <br /> the processes. I deeply value high quality public school options for our community and places <br /> where students, teachers, administrators and families can feel supported to be successful. I <br /> would love to help contribute to the success of this project for the Board of Commissioners. I <br /> would love to get more involved in the community and feel that with my previous experience and <br /> eagerness to learn Orange County constituents needs I would be a strong team member. <br />