Candidate for
Trustee; Fresno Unified School District; Trustee Area 4

Everyday I am confronted with Fresno Unified dropouts -- and even graduates -- who lack basic reading, math, and job skills. This barrier to employment erodes the hope of our youth for a bright and successful future. Because today's students are tomorrow's job seekers, I believe student achievement is the cornerstone of economic development in Fresno.

That's why, as a longtime Fresno resident, a McLane High graduate, and the daughter of a veteran FUSD teacher, I am stepping forward to ensure that our schools give students the skills they need to succeed in life.

As the Fresno County Director of Employment & Temporary Assistance, I manage a department with 1,400 employees and a $167 million budget. Thirty years of management experience have prepared me well to meet the challenges of governing the 4th largest school district in California.

My ability to resolve problems and effect change through collaboration has built my reputation as a "barrier buster" who provides strong and innovative leadership.

Recognizing the significant academic and fiscal challenges that Fresno Unified faces today, I am committed to being an actively engaged, well-informed member of the School Board. Seeking input from all stakeholders as I make decisions that affect our students and schools will be a priority.

As a Fresno Unified School Board member, my top priorities are to:

• Make all students academically competitive and set high expectations so that students rise to the challenge.

• Promote sound fiscal management of FUSD's $800 million budget and provide students and teachers the materials they need for learning.

• Give students the skills they need to get and keep a job. FUSD must reduce our high dropout rate by providing a curriculum that is relevant to students, including a wide variety of vocational and career technical education courses. All students should graduate with critical thinking skills and a strong work ethic.

• Use my professional experience to upgrade FUSD technology systems so that accurate data is available to drive decision-making and to improve communication.

It is critical that Fresno Unified succeed in its reforms. But, FUSD cannot do this alone. All of us have a responsibility to get involved to make sure that our children have an opportunity to succeed.