Candidate for
Trustee; Sacramento City Unified School District; Trustee Area 7

The state has severely cut our budget and times have been tough. But I refuse to use that as an excuse not to succeed. In the past four years, test scores are up and dropout rates are down. And that's not all:

Healthy food = better grades, better attendance, and happy students!

I founded and serve as Co-chair of the district Healthy Foods Task Force. We know that children who are healthy perform better academically, have better attendance, and are happier. Our schools feed over 30,000 children every day. Our task force started the "Go Green. EatFresh" program. We now have salad bars stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Many were funded through community partnerships. By improving the food served in cafeterias and educating children about nutrition and exercise, we have the potential to improve the lives of those we serve.

We have also formed partnerships and found outside resources that have allowed us to expand breakfast and supper programs for our most vulnerable students.

Targeting those who might drop out!

I led efforts to create the Men's Leadership Academies at American Legion, CK McClatchy and John F. Kennedy High Schools.The goal of the Men's Leadership Academy is to empower young men to become lifelong learners and globally competitive leaders + to be resilient, responsible and respectful men. We target high school boys who are most at risk of dropping out.

Creating pathways for college and careers!

I led district efforts to create the Linked Learning Pathways Program. Our Linked Learning Pathways Program gives more than 3,000 high school students with a pathway to college and career through specialized academics, internships, industry mentors, field trips, guest speakers and more. Our district is one of only nine California districts funded for Linked Learning by the James Irvine Foundation. Studies show that Linked Learning increases graduation rates, high school exit exam pass rates and college enrollment rates.

Supporting Parents!

I fought to increase the number of parent resource centers to serve 41 school sites, with more coming on line this year. Parent Resource Centers give parents a sense of ownership by including them as stakeholders in the space and program design. Parent created and run centers are key in the development of relationships between families, school staff and community partners.

We have accomplished a great deal, but there is more work to be done. That is why I am running for re-election.