Candidate for
Board Member; Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Education has been a priority for me throughout my life...as a member of the Yucaipa-Calimesa School Board for more than 14 years, and as a student, parent, teacher, and principal. I have completed formal education through my doctorate, and will always continue to learn. I retired after 35 years in the San Bernardino City Schools, but work part time supervising student teachers for the University of Redlands, consulting for County Schools, and substituting in San Bernardino City.

I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Yucaipa-Calimesa School Board in January, 1996, after being defeated in the November 1995 election by 5 votes. I have been a leader in the California School Board Association, serving on the Delegate Assembly and being vice-chair of the Executive Committee. I previously co-chaired SANDABS, a an advocate group for legislation in education. I am a long-time member of the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa ROP Board and a strong supporter of Career Technical Education. I am a continuing member of the Education Alliance and CAUSE (California Advocates United to Save Education).

I continue to hear concerns from our parents and other community members while volunteering in a number of local activities. I was honored as one of Assemblyman Emmerson's Women of Distinction 2010 and ACSA Award for Volunteerism in Education. I have been a Distinguished Kiwanian and received the Service Award from the Order of Eastern Star. I recently joined the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation Board and also serve on the board for the Oak Glen Schoolhouse Museum, and I am parliamentarian for Santa Claus, Inc. For many years I have been a member of the chambers of commerce for the cities of Calimesa and Yucaipa, and I am blessed with memberships in PEO and Delta Kappa Gamma sorrorities.

Our economic crisis has created significant impacts in our schools. Those of us who have friends, neighbors, or family members out of work know the depth of despair that comes to our citizens and their children. Yucaipa-Calimesa School District has had to lay off many employees, including 25% of our administrative staff in the last three years. The teachers' union (YCEA), the classified union (CSEA), and the Yucaipa Management Team (YMT) have worked cooperatively to mitigate the impact of the budget cuts on our kids.

In these difficult economic times, we must remember that KIDS COME FIRST, and make our decisions in their best interest.