Keep Kids First!
Dear Friends:
In 2008, I was appointed to fill the term left vacant by the sudden loss of long-term board member Nancy J. McCracken. It has been both an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Education and represent the interests of our students and parents as we partner to prepare our children to be productive members of our community.
In the last year, Pomona schools have made tremendous strides. Our test scores have greatly improved, we have two high schools that have received national recognition, and both are listed among the best schools in the country. We have created greater options for parents by reconfiguring some of our schools, and have instituted career academies throughout our district. I am proud of the work done by our teachers, administrators, and staff. Thanks to good fiscal management, we were one of a few school districts to actually save teachers jobs by allocating funds to prevent layoffs.
As you are probably aware, our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Because of the tremendous strides made in PUSD, our former superintendent, Dr. Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana, was recognized for her work in Pomona, and has now joined President Obama in the U.S. Department of Education. While it is a loss for our District, I am confident that by continuing to work together with my fellow Board Members, the Superintendent, Administrators, Teachers, Classified Employees, Parents and Students we can continue to build on the work already done and accomplish even more.
The work before us is not without challenges. As a school district, we are completely reliant upon the funding provided by the State of California. As the State struggles to balance its budget, unfortunately school districts have been subject to unprecedented cuts that appear to be continuing. Since 2008, PUSD has lost over $49 million dollars and while we managed to avoid massive cuts by using one time federal funding, next year promises to be a very difficult year with more funding cuts ahead. In that regard, it is more important now than ever to maintain stability and continuity on the Board of Education. As a former administrator/attorney for the District for over 10 years and as a school law attorney, I believe that my experience, knowledge, commitment to the children of Pomona and my willingness to fight for them in Sacramento are important to the District's continued progress.
To continue my efforts on behalf of PUSD, I am respectfully requesting your support and assistance in getting the message out that we need to keep kids first and maintain a school board with proven interest in our schools.
I hope that I have earned your trust and support.
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