Candidate Re-Election Statement

By Adrienne D. Konigar-Macklin

I was originally appointed to the Pomona School Board in 2008 to fill the seat vacated by the passing of Nancy J. McCracken, a long time school board member, and I was elected to a full term in 2009. I am committed to our community and the students we serve. I have been a vocal advocate for community and neighborhood schools, and have pushed for greater academic standards for all students. I believe in the public school system in the importance of listening to and addressing the needs students and concerns of parents.

Pomona Schools have made tremendous strides! We have worked hard to improve our educational programs and facilities. We have opened new high schools which afford students greater educational options. Our PUSD students are receiving the instruction and skills necessary to prepare them for college and career. We have vigorously pursued partnerships with local colleges and universities to support students at every grade level. My efforts will continue as we face new challenges with the implementation of Common Core statewide educational standards and transition to a new exciting curriculum.

The Board of Education has put your taxpayer dollars to good use by modernizing our school facilities and improving our technology. I initiated a plan to improve our athletic facilities and by working together with great partnerships, we now have state-of-the-art athletic facilities for all of our comprehensive high schools. I have partnered with other community leaders to create safer schools and offer healthier food choices for students. Have you seen our schools lately? I urge you to take a tour and see the exciting things happening!

I have worked to ensure good fiscal management and have lobbied for greater resources, both public and private for our schools. Thanks to good fiscal management, we were one of a few school districts to actually save teachers' jobs and re-hire teachers. In ensuring that the classroom remains a priority, I have supported open collaboration between the teachers, administration and parents, and instructional support for our teachers.

Let's work together and continue to help Pomona and Diamond Bar students excel. We need to maintain a school board with proven interest in our schools and a commitment to our students. The terrible cuts in education funding from Sacramento created serious problems for our schools, but by working together, we withstood the challenge and are more determined to see our schools excel. As your school board member, I am passionate about education, committed to our community and will continue to work hard for students...keeping kids first!