Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Glendora Unified School District

Why am I running for re-election? I am seeking re-election to the Board of Education so I can continue making positive contributions to our students' education. Glendora has outstanding teachers, support staffs, administrators, and community involvement, but California faces numerous educational challenges. I possess the experience, leadership, and commitment to ensure our District remains focused on effectively educating our students, supporting our staffs, and addressing our budgetary issues.

What are some of my qualifications? As a Professor and Vice-Chairman of Pediatrics at USC's Keck School of Medicine and Director of the Radiation Biology Cancer Research Laboratory at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, I am actively involved in teaching, research, faculty development, and budgetary management. As a current Board Member, I use my expertise to ensure our schools continue to emphasize academic excellence.

How are our students and schools doing? Significant advances continue throughout the District. High test scores, safe and modernized schools, an expanding college-going culture, effective intervention programs, and increasing community support are among our accomplishments. I will continue building upon these achievements in a financially sound manner.

How is California's budget crisis affecting our schools? Like all school districts in California, we have been forced to make unprecedented cuts in programs and personnel. We have also closed one of our six elementary schools (Williams) due to a combination of decreased state funding and decreased enrollment. We must continue to address the decreases in State funding by keeping cuts as far from the classroom as possible. We must also carefully and openly consider all funding opportunities and options.

What is my top priority as a Board member? The educational well being of all students remains my top priority. Our children require an education that prepares them for lifelong learning, teaches them to be productive citizens, and equips them to successfully face tomorrow's challenges.