Candidate for
Board Member; Fresno Unified School District; Trustee Area 6

Build and Renovate Schools

Fresno schools are overcrowded, and playgrounds are filling up with portable classrooms. I will use my experience as a former lobbyist to rally community-wide support to pass the next bond election for 10 new inner city schools and other badly needed renovations.

Emphasize the Basics

Reading, writing, math and basic computer skills are essential for success in life. I want Elementary Schools emphasizing these subjects and providing individual attention, if necessary, to ensure every student is proficient in them by the 6th grade.

Inspire Students' Talents

Fresno Unified High Schools have a 21% drop out rate because kids are uninspired! I want every child in grades 7-12 to have access to classes that inspire their talents - academic, arts, and vocational.

Implement Character Development Education

The increase in student apathy, underachievement, disrespect, dishonesty (cheating), and violence makes teaching difficult. I will ask FUSD to implement the teaching and modeling of positive character traits such as caring, honesty, fairness, responsibility, and respect for self and others (http://www.character.org).

Value and Empower School Employees

Fresno teachers are underpaid and overburdened by bureaucracy, and they often feel at odds with FUSD administration. Classified employees complain of feeling "second-class." I will work to insure all Fresno school employees are valued and empowered with authority and resources in an atmosphere of teamwork.

Improve Test Scores

Fresno test scores showed a continuous decrease from 1995 to 1999 and little was done about it. I will ask Fresno Unified to take advantage of programs available to prepare students for SAT testing.

Promote Parent Involvement

Parents asking what was learned in school and helping with homework are key to student achievement. I will actively promote parent involvement and ask for programs equipping parents for the task.