I will support programs over politics.

As your Board member, I will focus our Board’s attention on supporting existing academic and social programs that our students need. I know how to collaborate effectively with teachers, parents, and children. I want to know how programs are thriving as well as where there are gaps to be filled.

There are many programs available to our students, including GATE (Gifted and Talented Education), CTE (Career and Technical Education), Magnets, Preschools, Athletics, and more. Each school houses programs either specific to the site or offered district-wide.

Childcare at our elementary sites is a critical program, yet is currently being rationed to due to a staffing shorting. If essential programs are lacking support or staff, it is the Board’s job to work to find solutions.

In addition to childcare, programs that I believe need more support include:

Special Education

For too many families - my own included - navigating and getting SpEd services has been a challenge. What happens when your child needs extra help? Who can you turn to and how can you ensure your child is learning in the least restrictive environment? I do not believe that GUSD currently has enough staff or resources to deal with the various needs of the students on our campuses. I will make sure that our SpEd programs are fully supported and effectively staffed.

Dual Immersion (FLAG)

GUSD’s seven dual immersion programs have given our District an excellent reputation as a destination district. However, they continue to rely heavily on parent fundraising to fill gaps; parents are asking for increased support in the middle and high school grades, as well as for materials and intervention in elementary school. I will listen to stakeholders in these programs and work with our District leadership to ensure our dual immersion students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.

Transitional Kindergarten

Along with all public schools in California, GUSD will start rolling out a universal Transitional Kindergarten program in 2022-23. I have experienced firsthand the amazing foundation that high-quality TK provided my own children at Valley View Elementary.

As a Board member, I will ensure that the TK program is rooted in evidence-based best practices. I will make sure that families with eligible children know about the new TK enrollment. That means doing outreach to families with preschool-age children (hosting events in Glendale where families with young children already are, for example) and making sure that advertising goes out in languages in addition to English.

According to experts, “Staffing is one of the biggest hurdles ahead. There is already a teacher shortage in the state. California will need an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 new teachers and 16,000 new teaching assistants as transitional kindergarten expands.” I will advocate for GUSD to invest in early childhood educators and play-based programming in our TK and elementary programs.

Community schools: GUSD recently received a $200,000 grant. I will ensure that our community knows the clear pathway from receiving the funds, allocating them based on need and guidelines and which programs will be supported. Furthermore, we need to look not only at the NOW, but also at the future of these programs; I will ensure that we have adequate staffing, proper training, and appropriate facilities as we build out these programs.

“I believe in our ability to offer each child an education that matches the complexities of their needs.”