Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District

Margarita L. Rios Candidate for Re-Election to the Norwalk-La Mirada School Board 2013

Educational Leadership Experience:

Board President, Southeast Regional Occupational Program

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice-California State University Long Beach

Employment: Sergeant - Los Angeles School Police

Personal: Grew up in Whittier CA. I've lived in Norwalk for 24 years. Two NLMUSD graduates and one still in high school.

I am honored to serve as a governing board member on the Norwalk-La Mirada Board of Education. I was elected to the NLMUSD on November 3, 2009 and currently serve as Vice-President. I also currently serve as President of the Southeast Regional Occupational Program. I was appointed to the Southeast ROP in December of 2009.

I believe in improving and fulfilling the potential I see in our youth and in the District. I have always kept my focus on what is best for students and their academic achievement. During my stewardship on the school board the district has had a high increase in graduation rates, and a low student drop-out rate. Student academic scores are on the rise, and we have increased the number of our award winning elementary and middle schools in the District. Eighty percent of our seniors have plans for college, and our students are accepted to prestigious universities, such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, Duke, and UCLA. I have worked hard to ensure the District offers an education that prepares our students for college or career, and I've established a strong collaborative relationship with stakeholders that support the work in the District.

Since my election in 2009, I've been at work on issues that are important to the community, such as the safety and security of our students and schools. One of my early goals was ensuring the academic enrichment and social development of our students through quality after-school programs. As a law enforcement officer, I know how important it is for our students to have a safe place to be and learn after school. In 2011, our After School Education and Safety (ASES) program received recognition (Golden Bell Award) by the California School Board Association for our exemplary program. I am proud to have been able to partner with our ASES team and contribute to our students' academic success and safety.

I am also proud of the following:

• I've collaborated with District staff in updating policies that were outdated or ineffective; policies pertaining to student safety, student health and wellness, illegal drug use, student expulsion/suspension, and parental engagement.
• Initiated the formation of a District Wellness Committee to address the issue of fitness and a healthy lifestyle for students and staff.
• Voted against laying off our school safety personnel because I understand that safety does matter. Our school safety department is currently fully staffed.
• I was instrumental in raising awareness and implementing measures that address drug related offenses among our youth. The District offers drug education classes for students and parents; this was not the case before I got elected.
• I play an important role in the decision making of student expulsions. I lend my expertise on every case. My goal is to ensure we maintain safe schools, while addressing disciplinary issues by offering counseling and access to mental health services. My experience shows that if the underlining issues are not addressed, the student continues to violate school policy and the law.
• I vote against school closures. Prior to my election, a middle and elementary school were closed within a two year period resulting in minimal savings to the District and an increase in hardship to our students and parents.
• I conduct parent workshops on student discipline and drug education. I volunteer at school events, I participate in PTA and other committees, and I give back to our students and schools through monetary donations, or needed classroom supplies and books for our school libraries.

As President of the Southeast ROP, I also have governing responsibility for Southeast Academy High School. Southeast Academy provides a highly structured and disciplined program for students interested in careers in law enforcement, military, and fire sciences. The school provides students invaluable lessons and practical experience in leadership and academic success. My experience and career in law enforcement has been instrumental to the success of Southeast Academy.

I have been employed with the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) for 16 years. I was promoted to Sergeant in November of 2011. I have held the following positions; Detective, Background Investigator, Training Officer, Patrol Officer, Bike Officer, and School Resident Officer. I truly enjoy what I do and have always found it rewarding to work with young people. My position with the LASPD has afforded me many opportunities to make a positive difference in our youth, and guide them in making good life choices.

Public service as an elected official on the Norwalk-La Mirada Board of Education is truly an amazing experience. I have had the opportunity to make a positive difference in the education and future of our students, and I am grateful to be able to serve and represent our students, parents, and school community.