Candidate for
Board Member; Los Angeles Unified School District; District 2

I AM RUNNING because our public schools are under assault, our students' future and communities (the 99%) are at stake (by the takeover of our public resources by the 1%). We need a responsible leadership that will inspire and support the academic success of our students and reenergize our district.

We need educational leaders who will collaborate alongside our classroom teachers to enhance educational outcomes for our students. Politically opportunistic teachers and public school bashing should not be acceptable behavior for our educational leaders at the LAUSD Board level.

I have been a classroom teacher for the past 17 years and the only candidate in the history of LAUSD that has achieved the highest certification as a National Board Certified Teacher (a certification that only 3% of educators nationwide have achieved). I know and have experienced first-hand the pressures faced by my students in this district. I have seen their pain, struggle and despair of being in a district that constantly ignores their needs.

This school district is set up to educate and support our students from early education to our adult education and I have done that my entire life as a teacher in this district. This is my mission and motivation. My career in education is evidence that investment in all of our students pays off and that empowering teachers and engaging parents and community supporters strengthens student achievement.

My commitment to responsible leadership for our students and their future took root years ago. We need educational leaders who will collaborate alongside our classroom teachers to enhance educational outcomes for our students. The only two factors that we know from research and from our experiences that make a significant difference in educational outcomes are 1) small class sizes and 2) experienced teachers. Educational policy that focuses on anything other than these two goals is gambling with our children's education and future. I will ensure that the resources of our District are apportioned to ensure a high quality public school education for every child.

The success of our children's education depends on our leadership and our support. I ask your support to be the advocate; the leader and the voice that our district needs to restore our public schools. "Sí se puede." Gracias and thank you.