Meet Tim Kelly, CSCAE Board Member

Tim Kelly, principal, Marysville Adult School, has worked as a teacher, juvenile hall counselor, principal, business leader, and university instructor. Whether it was managing teams, coordinating activities or creating positive change, he has approached each position with a focus on relationships and effective communication. The promotional video he created for Marysville Adlt School is a fine example of the creativity he brings to the community. Watch the video (13:54 min.).

Q: What value do you see CSCAE delivering to the California Adult School community?
A: CSCAE needs to continue to disseminate critical and timely information about student success stories, new research, and awards and recognition. However, touting our accomplishments is not enough. We need to use data to tell our stories, and share these stories of success with local elected officials and state legislators. We need to be more visible, and our elected officials need to understand that we are in the business of creating opportunities and pathways, so students of all ages can enter or re-enter the workforce. These students will provide for themselves, their families, and the community—increasing the economic vitality of our local and regional economy.

Q: What factors influenced your decision to join the CSCAE board?
A: I know that during these times of change and uncertainty, we need to communicate what is working, as well as continue to fix the things that don’t work. I believe that CSCAE is more important than ever as we seek to share the human interest stories, the data that tells us the results of our efforts, and the funding stream that is necessary to get even better results. CSCAE is one vehicle that can and will make a difference for our students. I’m proud to be on board!

Q: What type of programs or initiatives do you hope to pursue in this role?
A: I believe we need to interview top influencers in the state—legislators, local elected officials, chambers of commerce, and business leaders—and ask them the importance of an educated workforce. In a world in which headlines are dominated by environmental catastrophe, economic depression, war and political unrest, we need powerful stories about our graduates as seen through their eyes and the eyes of their employers.

Ironically, the uncertainty of adult education’s future role in educating adults gives us the certainty of creating a new and more effective system through the strategic plan. My hope is to help adult education transition from good to great, so more students can become productive and hard-working citizens. I see CSCAE as one of the vital communication keys in the success of adult education.