Q: Have you served on SPUSD or any other school board before?
Q: Why are you running for school board?
Q: SPUSD has a history of academic success. How will you help maintain this?
Q: Do you think SPUSD puts too much pressure on young students to succeed?
Q: Have you served on SPUSD or any other school board before?
A: I’ve been on the South Pasadena Unified School Board since April 2002. Initially, I was appointed when a seat became vacant. I campaigned for the seat in 2003 and 2007, winning both times.
Q: Why are you running for school board?
A: I have a history of community service. I have the experience and commitment to get things done. With nine years of experience on the school board, I have a knowledge base to work with the relevant issues at hand. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute in a positive way. Students are the future and it’s very rewarding to be part of the solution.
Q: SPUSD has a history of academic success. How will you help maintain this?
A: As a trustee on the board of education, I provide experience, stability and good judgment. Guiding the school district is providing a good governance model, evaluating relevant education policies, continue to implement focused goals within the strategic plan we developed, and working well with the superintendent, staff, teachers and the community. It’s the interrelationship that builds the educational infrastructure we need to provide a strong learning environment and a safe place to learn.
Q: Do you think SPUSD puts too much pressure on young students to succeed?
A: There is an equilibrium between a lax program that provides no challenges and a competitive, single-focus program that creates an unwanted stressful environment for students. At SPUSD there is a deliberate practice to offer a curriculum that will allow students to be well-rounded by offering and maintaining programs in core academic subjects as well as arts, music, theater and sports.
Q: What do you think are the top issues the district faces, and how do you plan to address those issues?
A: The California budget crisis has severely affected the operation of most school districts in the state. Since the district relies on the state for revenue, it must be closely monitored. The school board must exercise good judgment on approving programs, working with outside agencies in providing programs and provide long-term strategic planning.
The strong relationships between the staff, teachers and community must be nurtured. The strong learning environment is a result of the collaboration between the groups.
The strategic goals that the school board and staff have implemented are instrumental in directing our district to high student achievement.