Candidate for
Board Member; Glendale Unified School District

Please briefly describe your qualifications, background and accomplishments:

I am very proud to be the only non-incumbent to receive the endorsement of the Glendale Teachers Association, a group of dedicated local professionals who looked at each candidate's education, work history, civic involvement and views on the issues, which deal with the future of our children, before they publicly support a candidate. I think the Glendale Teachers Association saw someone who has completed higher education on the issues of children, a person who has taught and counseled kids of various ages and someone who currently teaches the next generation of social workers, who will be dedicating their lives to make life better for others.

What do you think are the top five education issues that need to be addressed by the school board?

This is a defining time for our schools, requiring a true partnership of all Glendalians -- a new era in which parents, students, teachers, and board members shape the future of our schools together. Against that backdrop:

1. Parents want better communication with the district and greater transparency from the board. This School Board must be proactive in pursuing this.
2. Let teachers know their work is valued by giving them the resources they need to teach.

3. Tackle the issue of declining enrollment, particularly at the high school level, where our district is losing students to private schools. Declining enrollment means less money for our schools.

4. Aggressively deal with the budget crisis in Sacramento that could have potentially devastating impacts on our schools. I will advocate securing the resources our kids deserve to excel. The proposed state budget threatens Prop 98, and leaves our schools financially vulnerable. Last month, I discussed education funding with State Superintendent of Schools, Jack O'Connell, emphasizing the importance of securing education's fair share of the state budget. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Glendale schools get their fair share of funding from state and federal sources.

If elected, how will you address these issues?

I will be tenacious in dealing with Sacramento and locally, my approach has always been one of inclusion. On the important issues facing the Glendale schools, everyone with a vested interest must have a voice: parents, teachers, students and Glendale residents, who might not have kids in the schools. After all, the kids of today will be our adult neighbors tomorrow.

Why should Glendale residents vote for you?

First of all, I hope the voters see in me the same thing the Glendale Teachers Association saw when it voted overwhelmingly to endorse me. Since that vote of confidence from local teachers, I have received support from throughout our diverse community, from parents, students, administrators, public safety officials and hundreds of Glendale residents. I think they all see in me a sincere individual, who possess passion and compassion for children and a lifelong commitment to education. I am a teacher, a mentor and have years of experience listening and working with parents to better help students facing challenges in our schools.

Candidate Platform:

Building a Healthy Educational Environment I will work to empower teachers and give them the tools necessary to provide optimal learning opportunities for our students. I will foster a safe learning environment for all our students and promote positive problem-solving skills. A New Era of Partnership I value the views of students, parents and teachers in shaping the future of our schools. I will ensure that all Board decisions are made openly and with input from all.

The Resources Our Students Deserve I will promote creative partnerships with public and private entities to enhance our District's educational resources. In setting priorities, I will always put our students first.