Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Torrance Unified School District

Years before I had my own children, I was working with teens in the South Bay. While finishing college I began as a volunteer counselor with Project Touch an after school youth program. I volunteered in the evenings for several years. Later, I became a Big Sister of South Bay and was matched with a wonderful 15 year-old girl. I saw her regularly for three years and attended her graduation from high school.

I worked full time until my oldest son started elementary school in 1990. Since then I have worked in the home and at part time jobs to have more time with my family. I volunteered regularly in both of my sons' classes and helped with school events like Red Ribbon Week, Gold Rush Days, Gift Wrap Sales, etc. I volunteered at Lynn Middle School ( Adventures in Art Docent and Assistant) and West High School. I served as the Parent representative for TUSD at the Southwest SELPA meetings (1 year).

I have worked with the school district administration on several important issues in the past few years. These included: 1)recommending a letter for high school students and their parents which would explain school policies on disciplinary investigations,due process and appeals. This was implemented in 2003. 2) recommending a comprehensive anti-bullying/anti-harassment program for all grades. High school implementation began in August 2005, middle and elementary school programs are being developed. 3) recommending security camera systems on the high school campuses to protect students and school property. Estimated to be installed by June 2006.

If elected I will be proactive and work to implement new ideas and innovations emerging in education today. I am open to ideas from parents, teachers, students and administrators. We must ensure our graduates are able to compete with students around the country and around the world. Nothing is more important than our children and their future.