Candidate for
Board Member; Sweetwater Union High School District; Seat 2

The Sweetwater Union High School District is at a critical juncture. This election will determine if we return our attention to students, or continue focusing on adult issues.

I choose students.

Academic Achievement: Under Pearl Quinones' leadership, academic rigor has increased. RESULT: More graduates attend SDSU through the nationally recognized Compact for Success; graduation rate has hit 90%; dropouts decreased; AND all 12 SUHSD high schools earned national Silver medals from U.S. News and World Report.

College And Careers: Pearl Quinones pushed for education reform to create career pathways at all high schools AND require all students to take college prep classes. RESULT: Students no longer have to choose; they'll graduate with a diploma AND job skills for greater earning power.

Safe and Healthy Schools: Pearl Quinones builds partnerships to protect students. RESULT: Sweetwater implemented rigorous PE standards to combat childhood obesity; removed junk food; built three free campus Health Clinics; and maintained sworn police at all campuses.

Fiscal Accountability: Pearl Quinones demanded balanced budgets and job preservation. RESULT: For 12 years, Sweetwater passed a balanced budget--on time--and continued funding athletics; visual and performing arts. Pearl Quinones never voted to lay off employees.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: Pearl Quinones created hundreds of local jobs. RESULT: SUHSD school construction/modernization program is building classrooms of the future and stimulating local economy.

Parents' Champion: Pearl Quinones values and recognizes parent involvement. RESULT: She implemented the first parent recognition program. Now every Sweetwater campus annually celebrates contributions of parents.

Pearl Quinones is a recognized leader. One of 22 women nationwide selected for National Hispanic Leadership Institute; completed Harvard University's JFK School of Leadership; peers elected her Board President three times; received the YWCA Women in Industry, Channel 10 Leadership and Salute To Educators awards; served on California Department of Education Dropout Prevention Board; named a national Latina Trailblazer for Education.

As a single mom, Pearl Quinones knew education was the path to prosperity. She worked several part-time jobs while earning Bachelor's degree and Master's in Public Administration from SDSU. A dropout prevention specialist and life-long educator, Pearl Quinones is a role model to hundreds of at-risk students she helped graduate. Parent of SUHSD graduate; 31-year resident.

Endorsements: Congressman Bob Filner, National City Mayor Ron Morrison, Chula Vista Councilman Steve Castaneda, National School District Board Members James Grier, Barbara Avalos, South Bay Democrats; and Sweetwater California hundreds of classified employees.

My voting record speaks for itself. I ask for your vote.

http://www.friendsofpearlquinones.com