September 12, 2022 - I care deeply about education for all - from high achievers to those who feel left behind. I struggled in school. I know how important it is to see a friendly face, have encouragement, and have a variety of learning paths available. Some students will go on to college, others will go to trade school, and some will choose a completely different path. One of the many responsibilities  of school board representatives is making sure multiple educational tools are available for all students, no matter the path they choose, and to support teachers, staff, parents, and families.

I began my 28-year school district career as a night custodian. I moved to the transportation department and into my first manager position as lead mechanic and bus driver, then becoming a trainer. I still train drivers for school districts and Yosemite National Park.

I spent five years as the Director of Maintenance, Operations, Transportation, and Facilities for Mariposa County Unified School District. Warehouse and Construction were added to my responsibilities. I worked with Mariposa County First 5, parents, and community members on the placement of the Catheys Valley Preschool building in 2009.

I spent eight years as Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation at Central Unified in Fresno. During this time, I continued to support Mariposa County schools by helping on specifications for grants and driver training. I also assisted in getting grant funding for the purchase of a clean fuel bus for Sierra Foothill Charter School in 2017. After I retired from Fresno, I moved back to Mariposa in 2019 and now drive the bus and do custodial work at Sierra Foothill Charter School where my daughter teaches and my grandson goes to school. One of my favorite activities this season is going to my grandson’s soccer practices as part of the new Mariposa Soccer league where I get to visit with the parents and grandparents of the 300 kids Countywide ages 3 to 16 who are participating.

Among my public service affiliations, I served on two regional transportation boards, one in Fresno County and one in Merced County. I have been a Lion’s Club member for a number of years. I am also currently a member of the MCUSD Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee, and I am the Vice Chairman of the Mariposa Fire Safe Council. I am involved in our community and lead with integrity.

My years of experience give me a deep understanding of how things work with the California Department of Education. My current job as Bus Driver and Custodian at Sierra Foothill Charter School gives me daily contact with our youngest students and the fresh ideas of parents. I have connections with many past and current MCUSD employees and school families. I look forward to meeting more of you, my fellow citizens of Mariposa County, and speaking with you about the school topics that are most important to you. These connections with you are vital as we navigate the continuous changes in California’s education system.

There are many topics of importance. Currently, my top priorities are filling the staffing shortage, keeping students and staff safe, improving Special Education Services, expanding occupational opportunities in Mariposa County for students post high school, and re-unifying our school community.

I am interested in being of service to students, families, and all staff as we keep lines of communication open as to how we can best educate our school children. Please feel free to contact me at morsebob22@gmail.com or through Messenger on Facebook (electbobmorse) or Instagram (electbobmorse). I also invite you to visit my webpage morseforschoolboard.com, and to check back occasionally as I will be adding more information to it.

I am hosting a Meet and Greet on Thursday, September 15, between 5:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. at McCay Hall in Catheys Valley. Come, meet me, ask your questions, and get dinner. The Mariposa Fry Bread Company will be there serving up their delicious Indian tacos, burgers, fries, and fry bread.

Vote Morse on your ballot. Thank you!

Source: Committee to Elect Robert Morse for District 3 Trustee