Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Westside Union School District

A special education school teacher for the last 15 years, Linda Jones has proudly represented the constituents of the Westside Union School District as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2005. Linda has used her seat on the Board to fight for higher standards, greater accountability and a renewed dedication to improving our children's future through a quality education.

As a trustee, Linda has helped put the district on a course towards success. Over the past eight years, the district has seen steady growth, not only in academics, but in fiscal responsibility and efficiency. While other districts have been forced to make drastic cuts in the face of state cutbacks, as a result of Westside's early planning, layoffs were avoided, while continuing to raise educational standards, the district has achieved 3 CA Distinguished elementary schools, the state's high honor for schools that successfully educates all of its learners.

As a result of the sacrifices employees made in the last 6 years due to state budget cuts, this year, the board was able to provide a 3% raise for all employees.

Not content to just preserve jobs, Linda worked with her Board colleagues to refinance and pass the remaining $18 million bond of the $64 million from the 2008 election to complete Gregg Anderson Academy, and the construction and opening of Anaverde community's long awaited campus- Welcome Home Anaverde students and families! As promised, these additional funds helped complete two additional schools for the district and create vital new jobs for the community.

Linda is currently pursuing a doctorate degree at California State University, Northridge in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Linda holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Urban Studies with an emphasis in community development, has a Masters of Arts degree in Special Education and a CA Education Specialist Clear credential, in addition to having a Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development certificate.

As a civic leader, Linda has worn many different hats. Linda was recognized early by then Assemblyman Richard Katz for her skills in dealing with the diverse needs of his Assembly district. Linda served as Katz's field representative for two years, where she learned how to be an even more effective grassroots organizer and community activist. In 1992, Linda put these skills to the test in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Riots, helping heal the deep tensions within the community. As a result, Linda received special recognition from Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley for her efforts. In 1993, never content to sit on the sidelines when there was obvious work to be done, Linda secured an appointment from LA Mayor Richard Riordan to sit on the Rent Adjustment Commission, where she was elected Vice Chair and served 1½ years, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for renters.

In 1996, Linda relocated to the Antelope Valley with her husband, Bobby. Linda quickly became a respected community advocate known for her unwavering commitment to progress and her ability to find common solutions out of a diversity of ideas. An active member of the AV, mentor and role model to many, Linda was humbled to be selected as the 2008 recipient of the Zonta Club of the Antelope Valley Athena Award.

Linda lives in Lancaster with Robert her husband of 33 years, a Quartz Hill H.S. teacher. They have four daughters and five grandchildren.