Celebrate Education

By Steve Lustro

It's a phrase coined by my wife years ago to describe one of the values we taught our daughter and son when they were growing up. College was never talked about as "optional." We explained that competition for successful careers, whatever our kids chose, would be fierce. I believe that instilling this value at an early age played a significant role in our kids, now 24 and 23, graduating from one of the top public universities in the nation. Indeed, studies have shown that parent involvement in their children's education makes a difference.

Public service is a privilege; accordingly, I consider myself more privileged than most. Voters in the Pomona Unified School District elected me in 1997 and 2001 to represent the best interests of Pomona and Diamond Bar children. After the untimely passing of longtime Board member Nancy McCracken in 2008, former PUSD Superintendent Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana encouraged me to submit my name for consideration by the Board to fill Nancy's unexpired term. While my colleague Adrienne Konigar-Macklin was selected to fill that vacancy, I was chosen a couple of months later to complete the term of another respected Board member, Candelario Mendoza, who passed away that June.

I have appreciated the privilege to once again serve on the Board. Dr. Meléndez worked tirelessly in her three years at the helm of PUSD to develop a new direction, encourage parent participation and increase community support. She received high marks for spending time on campuses visiting with kids, teachers, and parents. She was visible in the community. In response to parents' desire for more educational options, the district has established academies that focus on specific career paths, some beginning in 7th grade. Because of the generous support of Diamond Bar and Pomona voters, the passage of Measure PS will allow us to improve many campuses around the District. In fact, some "Quick Start" projects to improve campus environments have already been completed. In my mind, the most notable of these projects was finally installing air conditioning at the District's oldest school, Lincoln Elementary. I am excited about these positive changes and accomplishments and wholeheartedly support them.

We are fortunate that our campuses are largely free of skirmishes and crime. However, I will insist that our new superintendent continue the same working relationship with new Pomona Police Chief Dave Keetle that Dr. Meléndez enjoyed with former Pomona Chief Joe Romero and also the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. PUSD is obligated to provide our students with safe educational environments conducive to learning.

Clearly, we have accomplished much but challenges remain. I am grateful for the opportunities given me in the past to represent our kids. I respectfully ask for your support again on November 3.