Candidate for
Board Member; Natomas Unified School District

Natomas is a community that has experienced several major advancements and changes. Natomas is not the usual "Sacramento neighborhood". Several ethnic and cultural groups (with 40 plus different languages) live in Natomas and understand the education system in different ways. Despite these differences, members of the community wish to succeed and wish for their children to have a reasonable and accessible quality standard of education and life.

As a candidate, I'd like to ensure that ALL students in Natomas have such education and are able to have a positive impact in society. I am a parent and a childcare business owner with 16 years of experience in the Natomas School District. I have a long track record of listening and advocating on behalf of community members and pursuing real changes. My commitment stands on the following values and platform: Responsibility, Opportunity, Community and Students.

Responsibility: I believe that sound financial management should be strategic and based on priorities. We need to stop the waste that distracts teachers from teaching and kids from learning. Board policies should ultimately benefit the students. I provide the parent and community activist perspective and experience. I will respect the collective bargaining agreements with our certified and classified employees, and encourage the successful resolution of CSEA Chapter 745 vs. Natomas Unified School District complaint.

Opportunity: I believe we need programs that provide opportunities for growth and development of our children. Students should be exposed to extracurricular activities in art, science, technology and foreign languages in the primary years, and to culinary, advanced technology, foreign languages, automotive, and environmental classes on their secondary level. Students also need internships and paid job placements to interact with adults in the workforce and establish a path for their college and career interests.

Community: I will welcome parents and community involvement and create a unified force among all stakeholders that include parents, teachers, staff, and board. I will suspend the 24 hour notice policy that requires an advance notice for parents to visit/participate in their children classroom. I will welcome non-profit organizations that provide a variety of services including mentoring, career and job development, college readiness and community service programs. I will instill pride in our students, parents, teachers, and community. I will promote the use of live video recording of all NUSD board meetings for the community to be informed and take part in our education system.

Students: I will raise achievement gains and expectations among all students and provide them with extracurricular options to become good students and citizens. They will access to solid preparation and high school-to-college transition programs, including increased access to counselors, early career programs, and support to maximize their college acceptances and opportunities to finance their education like scholarships and FAFSA. In order to accomplish this, we need to prioritize our budget, avoid cuts, and look for solutions and means that do not affect our children.