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Los Angeles County, CA November 3, 2009 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Layla Avila

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; South Whittier Elementary School District

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

Dear Neighbor,

On November 3, I hope I can count on you to re-elect me to the South Whittier School District Board of Trustees. There is no single issue more important than the academic success of our students. I have seen repeatedly throughout my life that all students can achieve when they get the opportunities they deserve. I believe that I bring the experience necessary to ensure that the South Whittier School District provides every student with an excellent education, including:

  • A Master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard University
  • Vice President of The New Teacher Project, a national organization that recruits and trains over 3,000 teachers a year
  • Second Grade Teacher, Compton Unified School District
  • Teach For America, Los Angeles Corps 1997

As a first-term board member, I took a stand for our students by pushing reforms to improve the quality of the education they receive, including:

  • Establishing academic after-school and college prep programs to put our students on the path to success.
  • Holding leadership accountable by initiating the first superintendent's evaluation in years.
  • Recruiting a new superintendent committed to a quality education for all.

This past year has been fiscally challenging for school districts across California, and the South Whittier School District is no exception. The state required cuts in the middle of the school year, forcing us to take actions like reducing personnel costs. Despite these cutbacks, test scores have improved by 31% in reading and 26% in math since 2005. But our work will only be finished when 100% of students achieve at high levels.

If re-elected to the South Whittier School Board, I will use my experiences working with students, teachers, principals, and administrators to ensure the academic success of our students. Specifically, I will:

  • Ensure every student is reaching high academic levels to prepare them for high school, college, and beyond
  • Maintain focus on building the educational program for students, especially during these difficult financial times
  • Support our schools in investing parents and families in our efforts to provide every student with an excellent education

I believe I demonstrate the leadership and experience necessary to keep our schools focused on giving every student a world-class education. On November 3, I respectfully ask for your vote.

Sincerely,

Layla A. Avila
Standing Up For Students
http://www.LaylaAvilaForSchoolBoard.com

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 17, 2009 11:32
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