Candidate for
Trustee; Fresno Unified School District; Trustee Area 6

I am proud to have served Fresno Unified faithfully, both in times of greatness and times of serious challenge.

Education faces huge national and statewide challenges to student performance and school financing. These times call for ethics and integrity, civility and unity, and above all an environment that fosters learning. We must break down barriers and empower students and staff to think creatively. We must be willing to do things differently---recognizing the economic conditions of our community; without losing the richness of individual customs, languages, traditions, values and beliefs that define us.

We must be resourceful; we must offer more alternative career paths, such as vocational education and partnerships with local businesses. We must define and clearly communicate our purpose and goals to the community. We must do this in a way that focuses on our core values for student achievement, accountability and assessment.

Financial accountability and fiscal management must be the foundation for this focus. The vast numbers of FUSD educators and employees are dedicated, loyal, hardworking individuals who believe in our students and FUSD. We must celebrate and encourage them while seeking newer solutions.

I ask for your support as we face these serious challenges.