As an educator, parent, grandparent and community activist, I know...

Clearly, we must work together to improve our schools. The need for more effective curriculum and instruction is obvious. Although we have made steady progress over the past decade, a review of our results reveals the need for higher levels of success by our students. We are not meeting State and Federal accountability requirements. Not enough of our students are graduating. Too many students are falling behind and being identified for special education or alternative services. Nothing short of rapid, transformational change is acceptable. As a Fontana educator, a parent of Fontana graduates, and a grandparent of students in Fontana schools, I envision a brighter future for our children, our community and our country.

My main goal as a candidate for the Fontana Unified School Board is to improve the learning environment at every level. As an educator, I know that all programs must be honestly evaluated, and the results reported in a manner that fosters constructive collaboration throughout our school system. I will relentlessly work with parents, staff and the entire community to meet the challenges and provide world-class education to every child. To accomplish this, we must guarantee inclusion for every student, respecting and valuing the rich contribution of our multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-linguistic heritage. I would like to make our schools even safer and cleaner places to learn and work, and to accomplish our goals within our fiscal means. I will also make sure that every penny is spent according to sound fiscal practices according to all legal requirements. At all times, I will remain focused on supporting students in achieving the state standards and becoming successful graduates prepared for a rapidly changing world.

I will strive to increase board involvement in the instructional program, and to include the voices of community members at every level in the process of improving our schools. Meetings must be held at times that guarantee involvement of every parent, including those with varied work schedules. I will be accessible and approachable and in continuous pursuit of providing the best services to our children and their families, and the entire community we serve. I will encourage and support our citizens in communicating their needs, expectations and ideas for improving Fontana schools. I envision a board that is responsible and responsive to the real, not perceived, needs of the people. I will also support our teachers in delivering instruction that enables learning based on each child’s needs rather than encouraging “one size fits all” programs. I know the common core standards and the curriculum in every area. I am also very experienced in working with students whose needs require differentiation and intervention to achieve the same goals as their peers. I am confident that we can support success for all if we learn from the past, act in the present, and work together to achieve our dreams for the future. To accomplish this vision, I promise every stakeholder’s voice will not only be heard, but valued and respected.

I am well prepared and experienced for the responsibilities of a board member. I have served as a volunteer, teacher’s aide, teacher and administrator, and have been associated in some capacity with every school in the Fontana Unified School District. As a volunteer parent, I dreamed of making a difference for every child, and I returned to college after many years. I ultimately earned a BA in psychology, an MA in educational psychology/special education, an MA in educational leadership, and a PhD in educational psychology. I also became actively involved in the Fontana community, serving as volunteer and youth leader, and as a member of community service groups. I have also served as a Fontana Planning Commissioner for more than a decade.

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