Candidate for
Board Member; Galt Joint Union High School District

Thank you for electing me into office in 2010. It has been an honor serving you. During my term, the district adopted a strategic plan with an instructional focus -- every student ready for college and career. I am proud to be part of this movement and it would be a privilege to continue my work as your representative. My passion to implement positive change is stronger than ever. I am committed to helping the district achieve its goals, and I will continue to support programs in our district. I am a strong advocate for extracurricular activities. Communication is important to me so I will continue to hold office hours and be readily available to the public.

When I ran for office four years ago, I shocked a lot of people. Many people wondered why I was running for office. I don't have any kids and I do not fit the mold of a typical board member. My friends think I am crazy for running again because they know how much time I devote to the district and the sacrifices I make to be an effective board member. The job is thankless, brings stress and I don't get paid or compensated. Yet, I am running again for the office of Galt Joint Union High School District Board of Trustee because I care.

Several people believe I have "unfinished business" -- and they are correct. I devoted four years of my life to serving the community, students, parents, teachers, staff and the district, and I don't believe my work is done. I am mentally prepared and motivated to serve for four more years, and I have the passion to continue my work.

Family is the most important thing in my life. I am the eldest of seventeen grandchildren on my mother's side of the family and they all live in Galt. My cousins are or will be attending either Galt High School or Liberty Ranch High School; therefore, I am not bias towards one school. In 2010 I ran because I wanted to guarantee that every student in the Galt Joint Union High School District was provided with equal opportunities for success. One of my goals was to ensure the board did not favor one school over the other. I wanted to be a board member that supported all three sites, and all programs within our district. I believe I have been very supportive and will continue to support all three sites and programs. My mission was to be an effective board member that listens to all stakeholders and I believe I have held true to that ideology, and will continue that mission.

I've been an active Galt resident for 30 years, coaching youth basketball and volunteering at community events. I'm engaged with the community and I've heard the concerns from community members, parents, teachers, staff and students about the high schools and I want to continue making a difference. I know I have a very diverse background and I am non-bias. I am very open-minded and love to hear the opinions of others. When I commit myself to something I give 100% and truly dedicate myself to achieving the best. I am persistent and do not give up.

After graduating from Galt High School with honors, I attended University of California, Davis. I graduated in four and half years with three Bachelor of Arts degrees: English, American Studies and Communications. At UCD I took numerous classes concentrating on primary and secondary education, and studied the California educational system. I've toured various high schools across California and numerous colleges understanding their academic standards.

I come from a family of educators (principals, teachers and volunteers). My grandmother was an elementary teacher in Mexico; three of my aunts worked at Estrellita High School while they attended Sacramento State; one of my aunts now works for the elementary district; my sister is a special education teacher at Valley Oaks Elementary School; my uncle is a retired high school administrator; my other uncle is a retired college professor; my other aunt was a guidance counselor; and my third aunt was an elementary principal. A lot of people in my family expected me to become an educator but I chose a different path; however, I still have a strong passion for education and seeing students succeed.

I am a stakeholder who cares about the present and future of all three schools. I believe our district can be the best and all students can have a great educational experience. When I start something, I finish it. I am not done serving this community and being your representative. I want to give more and I am ready for my next term. I want to continue collaborating with members of the community, other elected officials, business leaders, students, parents, teachers, staff and the district, and work to build a model district. I still want to be your representative and want your voice heard.

Thanks for your consideration.