Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Pomona Unified School District

Dear Parents,

I'm running for school board because Pomona Unified School District needs a FRESH NEW start and a NEW DIRECTION. We need a school board that gets back to basics and deals with our high school dropouts, gives our students the skills they need to be successful in the future, and that makes budget decisions that keep the cuts away from the classrooms.

Last year over 500 Pomona students dropped out of high school. This is unacceptable! Studies show that children who graduate from high school are less likely to become involved with gangs, commit crimes, and are less likely to have unplanned teen pregnancies. All students deserve our attention.

I support preparing young people for college OR career by emphasizing the basics (math, reading, and writing) while adding skills for the future. Students these days need computer skills, teamwork, critical thinking as well as vocational and technical training. I will also promote skills that will prepare them for life by teaching them responsibility, respect, and discipline.

Students will be the priority in all decisions I make, and I will insist on fiscal accountability. We do not need to invest our precious district money on consultants to produce fancy brochures. We need to make budget decisions that protect our teachers, school employees, after school programs, and services that keep our kids healthy and safe.

As a college student, community volunteer, and appointee to a Pomona city commission, I will lead the fight to keep our students in school, provide students the resources and support they need to graduate from high school and be ready for college or a career, and make sure budget decisions are not made at the expense of our children and teachers.

Our kids only get ONE chance at a good education and we must do everything in our power to make sure that they have the tools necessary to succeed.

On November 3, please join me in standing up for our children's future.

Robert S. Torres

http://www.Torresforkids.com