Candidate for
Board Member; Hayward Unified School District

I am a parent of four children who attend Hayward public schools. For the last 14 years I have been a parent advocate throughout many of Hayward schools. With your vote, On November 4, 2008, I would like to extend my advocacy as a Board member for Hayward schools.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

As a parent with children in this district, and as an advocate for parents of children in this district, I have the knowledge of where the needs are for our Hayward students to achieve high academic standards. We need effective programs that will meet the diverse needs of all our students. It is critical to create a positive environment for our students, teachers and staff. With your vote, we can make this happen I will not only listen, to our communities concerns, but take action.

During the current term of this boards administration, there has been a lack of outreach, input, and communication, with our community. By establishing a respectful and truthful partnership with parents; teachers; students and the community at large we can move this district into a positive direction. As a board member I will make sure that more parents take an active part in the decision making process of their children's education.

As a board member, I will look deeply into budgetary issues and make sure that resources are directed into the classroom. Our students need the highest quality education to compete in a global economy. Accountability should be shared by the School Board, District, Education Employees, and parents; with the ultimate goal of helping every student reach their full potential.

BACKGROUND

I grew up in Oakland California, 14 years ago my Husband and I moved to Hayward. We have four children, 3 are enrolled in HUSD: Araceli 2nd grade, Eduardo 7th grade, and Bianca, a senior this year. My oldest daughter, Sonia, is attending Chabot College with plans to become a teacher. I have been actively involved every step of the way with my children's education. During this time I have met many other parents that I have been able to help navigate the school system and learn what there is to offer for their children and their own specific needs. I am currently full-time student at Chabot College focusing education and communication. I work part-time for Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center on the Tennyson High School campus, working with students, parents and staff, helping to build safer and better relationships.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

• Tiburcio Vasquez Center, Advocate/ Parent Coordinator
• Small Business Manager/ Owner since 2004
• Healthy Families Program- assisting families to qualify for "Healthy Families" health insurance.

• Parent Studies Berkeley Division- Certificate of Honorary Parent Studies, Student Affairs Center Partnership 2005-06
• Chabot College- Current full time student
• CPI Corporation-Certification in Photography

• Academic Excellence Award, Puente Project 2007-08 - Chabot College
• Las Positias Community College - Completion of Puente Project 2008
• Outstanding Service and Leadership in the Community 2008 - Recognition by Ellen Corbett, California State Senator
• Andres Montoya Scholarship - Recognition of Commitment to Higher Education
• Leadership Development and Community Organizing - Chabot College/ Las Positas Community College 2008

We all want the same thing for our children; good schools and an academically enriched environment. We want them to be safe when they're at school and to be successful throughout their lives. To achieve this we need to give them a good academic foundation. I want this for my children and with your vote we can make this happen, not just for my children but for all of our Hayward Unified school children.