Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Irvine Unified School District

• I am married and have have four children, three that have attended Irvine Schools. Below are the varied volunteer positions I have held since we moved to Irvine and how I think each experience will benefit me if I'm elected to the board.

• Irvine Unified School District Facilities Committee (1998 to present) I understand the facility and maintenance needs of our schools and district-wide facilities, as well as their prioritization in order to best utilize limited available funds. Participation on this committee has allowed me to garner a deeper appreciation of the IUSD budget (e.g., facilities fund versus the general fund).

• Attendance at IUSD School Board meetings on a regular basis (1998 to present) I have a better understanding of the IUSD budget and the fiscal problems we face as a district. I have gained insight as to how the school board functions and the items it addresses on an ongoing basis, the respect that is necessary between members to best serve the children of this community.

• Irvine Unified PTA Council Officer (1997 to present) I have worked with PTA leaders from 33 Irvine schools and have an understanding of their concerns and issues. The training I received through PTA has assisted me in honing my strong leadership skills. I have also gained a great amount of knowledge and experience in the legislative arena, particularly at the state level. I have been to Sacramento and will continue to lobby for discretionary funds and equalization for our district.

• PTA Unit President at the high school, middle school, and elementary school levels. I have developed a strong working relationship with teachers, staff, and parents; working closely with them has given me a better understanding of their concerns and issues. I have been in classrooms and have witnessed first hand the superb programs in our district from general instruction to the Montessori, GATE, APAAS, AP, and Special Ed classes, and alternative education programs. I value the independent decisions made by the administrative staff at the school sites, such as daily schedule, curriculum needs of their community, and extracurricular activities. I have worked with PTA budgets in excess of $150,000; I have an intimate understanding of addressing the needs of a school while still working within the budget. I so value Irvine's special programs, such as music, art, and science, that I've worked to raise supplemental funds to continue the level expected by our community.

• School Site Council Member (1994 to 1995) I learned to prioritize the needs of a school within a limited Supplemental Instructional Program budget as determined by Federal and State funding for categorical programs. I assisted in setting school site policy.

• Athletic Boosters Executive Boards (1993 to 1997 at Irvine High and 1999 to present at Northwood High) I gained knowledge about how athletics are funded within our district, and I was heavily involved in fundraising activities. I was exposed to CIF rules and regulations and their impact at the school and district level.

• SELF High School Parent Advisory Board Serving on this board gave me an appreciation of the unique and individual needs of all students, especially the needs of students in alternative programs.

• Business experience (1971 to 1989) While working in accounting departments for both small companies and large corporations, I prepared financial statements. I am able to read budgets and financial reports and ask pertinent questions.

• Volunteer within IUSD (1986 to present) In addition to my experience at school sites, I have served on several other district committees including the selection of administrators and the parent steering committee for the opening of Northwood High School. I have observed the impact of changes that have been made to the IUSD budgets, as well as curricular changes and their impact on student learning over the last 14 years. As a parent of four children, I understand parental concerns. I have worked to help facilitate open dialogue between parents and school site and will continue to do so.