Community Transformation and Involvement

By Paul Naccachian

"Educating the future of all children"

Many polls and surveys indicate that Americans identify education to be one of the top leading domestic issues. Specifically, the concern is not only reforming public schools but achieving academic success for all students. Azusa is no exception to this challenge and the need for community transformation.

In order to have an effective result and improve public education, the school's traditional role should be expanded to include a mutually interdependent relationship among home, school, and community.

I will advocate for creating the following:

- Build open communication between the School Board and the community. The purpose is not to simply report what the School Board is doing but rather engage the community to be involved in various outreach programs.

- Create a list of available programs to make appropriate referrals to other relevant services/agencies locally and in the region. Place students in various industries in which they can benefit from internship to job placement.

- After School Activities. Explore the implementation of quality after-school activities to provide students with additional academic support and other social activities. Activities that encourage learning include money management, independent living, problem-solving, banking, budgeting, shopping, communication, community access, travel exploration, self-advocacy, and social skills.

- Implement "Adopt a School" program with local businesses. This program will be an outreach to work with business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce and industry leaders in order to create a transition to life after high school. This will help build independence and quality of life.

- Encourage the District to buy locally.