Candidate for
Board Member; Cypress School District

I am passionate about fulfilling the Mission of the Cypress School District: "To provide a school/community environment which promotes the development of each child's maximum potential by providing a quality staff, low class size, well maintained and safe campuses, opportunities for parent involvement, and a focus on high standards with high expectations, while developing positive self esteem in children."

The Cypress School District and the Board of Trustees are a highly regarded team not only in Orange County but throughout the state. As an individual, one Trustee has no authority so collaboration is the key. When we are focusing on providing the best educational opportunities for the students, parents and our community our own agendas have to be set aside.

I am a graduate of the California School Boards Association's "Masters in Governance Program". I already have the benefit of being well versed in the voluminous Education Codes and State Standards. As well I understand the intricacy of Public Finance/Employment, as well as Board Policies and Administrative Regulations. The Brown Act, Robert's Rule of Order and Collective Bargaining all have components that impact how we as members conduct ourselves. Community Relations and Advocacy for Public Education are an additional layer of the "job", while reaching out to other Electeds not only locally but also at the state and federal levels to communicate the unique needs of our district is a whole other component where I have the experience.

Prior to being elected as a Trustee, I worked in Corporate Finance for over 22 years. Most of those years spent in the areas of manufacturing, distribution and contract service industries, in multi-business conglomerates. Para-legal, architecture and design are all areas of interest in which I have pursued additional education. Being a life-long learner has benefited me as the mother of a child with autism.

As a Member of the Board of Trustees, I currently serve as the President of the Greater Anaheim Special Education Local Plan Area and Board Representative to the District Advisory Committees (LCAP, DELAC, etc.). I am also a Member of the Orange County Adult Transition Task Force and Soroptimist International of Cypress.

As the longest sitting member of the Board, I will provide the necessary continuity for the team to be efficient. Because of recent changes to Administration and District Office staff, I am able to give insight on the processes and procedures used in the past.

Working Together Toward Tomorrow, I will continue to help make Cypress School District the BEST Elementary School District in the county and state.