Candidate for
Board Member; Elk Grove Unified School District; Area 1

Even though the Elk Grove Unified School District is doing a pretty good job compared to other school districts in the state, it still has room for improvement. Talking to neighbors, teachers and parents some issues came to the forefront.

1. Apprenticeship program

Not all students are college-bound. Many will be entering the job market once they have finished High School. Currently there are different academies in our High Schools. They give the students some insight into a limited number of job opportunities. I aim to expand that program to make sure youths with all types of talents and interests are able to find the right academy.

I also strive to create an apprenticeship program where high schoolers will be able to be placed with an employer right after they graduated.

2. Helping ALL students to achieve more and to be prepared for adult life

Recent studies show that many of today's high school students are not prepared to enter college. The pace of teaching is faster and the level of education required higher than what they are used to. Sadly our schools focus mostly on the underachieving students, trying to get them to catch up. While this is important we can not neglect the students who have mastered the material and have the capacity to learn more. We have an obligation to ALL students to help them reach their potential. My goal is to translate this into our classrooms. We do not only want to have them pass the exams but also EXCEL wherever possible.

3. Fiscal responsibility

This is also an issue that is on my heart. Earning an average pay and running a regular household I understand the need for budgeting. As it is with families so should it be with the school budget. If cuts have to be made it should not affect the children. Parents can do with a little less as long as the children are okay. In the same way schools can clamp down on unnecessary expenses and still make sure the students have the right environment to learn (e.g. appropriate class sizes).