Candidate for
Trustee; Newport-Mesa Unified School District; Trustee Area 1

I am a 27 year resident of Costa Mesa with two children that attended schools in the Estancia Zone. Believing in the power of involved parents, I served on PTA Executive Boards at Adams, TeWinkle, and Estancia for a total of 15 years including six years as president; nine years on School Site Councils including President at TeWinkle and Estancia; the Australia Sister City Education Exchange Program, CM Community Run, ETSF Committee; and a variety of committees with teachers, administrators and students. District wide, I served on PTA Harbor Council Executive Board for eight years with two as President providing many opportunities to work with parent leadership throughout the district, superintendent, and district administration on a variety of district-wide committees including NCLB Review Committee, Superintendent Interview Panels, Superintendent Advisory Committee, and Measure F Citizens Oversight Committee. I have received two Honorary Service Awards and two Golden Oak Awards for my Outstanding Service to Youth.

My reputation in our community is that of someone dedicated to the continued betterment and safety of our schools through parent and community involvement. I am not afraid to voice concerns and ask tough questions about the welfare of our students. As a long-time supporter of the benefits of children attending their neighborhood school, I am dedicated to improving our schools, providing equal opportunities for all students, and engaging with parents to make the best decisions on their child's education. While each school has different challenges, our schools need to be every parent's first choice. As a board member, I will work for rigorous and engaging academics, more AP offerings, effective and early interventions for struggling students, growth in our flagship programs, partnerships with colleges and businesses to offer vocational and career training, strategies to ensure technology is used effectively in instruction, professional development for teachers, involved and informed parents, and safe and attractive campuses. To be successful, it is critical to build trust by providing understanding and transparency of district plans, board decisions, and new programs to our parents, teachers, and community.

As an elected trustee, I will work to provide a quality education and equitable opportunities for all Costa Mesa and Newport Beach students. My extensive hands-on experience working with parents, teachers, administrators, and students in the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach communities over 15 years as well as my experience as a current trustee makes me the best candidate.