Candidate for
Board Member; Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Karin M. Freeman: Candidate for Board of Education, PYLUSD

Initially, my children were the motivation for becoming involved in the school district. My involvement began at the local school followed by volunteering in the K-8 district education foundation. Eventually I became a board member in the elementary district. With the 1989 merger, I became part of the newly formed district. Regardless of district size, all of us want modern schools, strong educational programs, and quality teachers. I always work hard to set high goals and strive to see the realization of those goals. I firmly believe that all students throughout the district should be considered as decisions are made.

Education always has new problems to solve. One is the demand for new teachers and administrators as we build schools and replace retiring staff. We must recruit, hire, and retain the best. Another is facility demands brought on by aging schools and increasing student numbers. We have worked hard to acquire funds to renovate and build classrooms and schools. Critical decisions concerning land acquisition, school design, and joint-use projects await. Another challenge is to make classes rigorous and relevant and to prepare students to become proficient as they move through the grade levels and onto careers or further education.

My top priority is to acquire land for the purpose of building new schools. This will alleviate the impact of large student populations at several of our campuses throughout the district. Multiple efforts are underway to identify and acquire needed acreage for schools. This involves working with the cities of Placentia and Yorba Linda, the OC Water District, the Community College District, and local developers. We need to utilize various approaches including joint-use models. Measure Y as well as State bond issues have provided funds needed to accomplish these long-awaited projects that are now within our financial reach.