Candidate for
Board Member; Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Ten years ago my family and I chose to move to this district because of its schools. I have had the unique opportunity to work with administrators, teachers, students, support staff, parents and the community to improve and strengthen our schools.

I have been actively involved supporting our schools on the Superintendent's Community Advisory Committee, School Site Council, Rose Drive PTA Board, and as an instructional assistant. I have learned firsthand about the district's programs, performance, curriculum, and technology, as well as the significant funding issues facing us.

I have had the opportunity to work at the George Key School (a special education school), as well as various preschool, elementary, and middle school classrooms in PYLUSD as an instructional assistant for students with disabilities. I have worked in special education classrooms, resource specialist programs, and general education classrooms. These experiences have given me the opportunity to work with the programs, curriculum, and technology in the district. I have had the unique opportunity to work with the administrators, teachers, students, support staff, parents, and community.

Due to recent budget cuts it has become increasingly important to find additional funding to help pay for programs. As chair of Red Ribbon Week I expanded the program to include Pennies for Prevention. The resulting income from the Pennies for Prevention program continues to pay for all Red Ribbon Week activities. As co-chair of Fall Festival, I expanded our volunteer base and developed it into an annual revenue generating event enjoyed by the students and their families. I started the recycling program for bottles, cans, ink cartridges, and cell phones. This program is revenue generating and provides funding for field trips, as well as some school supplies. I researched and organized the Governor's Challenge + a month long fitness challenge for children. Winners can win a fitness center, $5,000 in fitness equipment, or $1,000. I co-wrote the $250,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant for which Rose Drive is currently competing for a technology lab, solar equipment, a vegetable and native plant gardens. Please vote daily for this program at http://www.refresheverything.com/rosedrive.

This is my 3rd year as a Girl Scout Leader of 2 troops in Yorba Linda. My troops consist of girls from Rose Drive Elementary, Golden Elementary, and Yorba Linda Middle School. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work with these young ladies and help guide them into the leaders of the future. They continue to inspire me to "Make the World a Better Place."