League of Women Voters Questions

By Karin M. Freeman

What factors motivated me to seek a position on the School Board?

What do you consider to be the major issues facing your school district?

Initially, I became involved in the school district to make a difference for my own two children. Like many, I began at our local elementary school as a classroom volunteer. Soon I was in PTA and eventually PTA President. My dedication to the students led me to a position on the Board of Yorba Linda Elementary School District. Since the 1989 merger, I have taken on the duties of the Board in the larger district. Our community has very high standards. Regardless of district size, all of us want modern schools, strong educational programs, and quality teachers. I will 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. Their future is dependent on what actions we take as a board.

What do you consider to be the major issues facing your school district?

Education always has new problems to solve. However, the major issue that underlies all has been to maintain fiscal stability. For a decade, our district has been experiencing cuts in state funding. As this calamity has deepened, we are faced with very difficult decisions as to what to cut next. It becomes a challenge to protect and expand educational opportunities with increased limitations on resources. The danger is that student achievement could suffer erosion depending upon the decisions made. We must continue to strengthen the fundamentals of education as well as provide interventions for students who are in need of additional assistance in order to perform to the best of their ability. Classes must be rigorous and relevant so that students are interested and engaged. One of my goals is to see that PYLUSD develops and sustains career-technical education offerings that help students connect thinking and doing! All the students of the district deserve a first-rate education.