Arlie Ricasa - Educator/Parent/Volunteer

By Arlie Ricasa

Striving for Excellence * Improving our Schools * Delivering Results

PUBLIC SERVICE: President, Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustees

PROFESSION: Educator + 22 years/ College Director of Student Development

EDUCATION: Master's Degree, Counselor of Education, San Diego State University, 1988 ... Bachelor's Degree, Psychology, UCLA, 1987 ... Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

HONORS: "Woman of the Year 2010" ... "School Board Member of the Year 2010" ... "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" ... "Who's Who in Collegiate Faculty"

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Chairperson, MAAC Project of San Diego County ... Fmr. Board of Director, South Bay Family YMCA ... Fmr. Board of Director, Chula Vista Police Activities League

ARLIE RICASA cares about our children and their education. An educator for over 22 years and a lifelong resident, she is a product of our local elementary, middle and high schools. After Arlie earned her degrees from UCLA and SDSU, she chose to serve our local students. A parent with children who will matriculate through the Sweetwater District, Arlie has the experience that makes her uniquely qualified: taught in the classroom; worked as an academic counselor; served as a college professor and advisor; and developed educational policies.

ARLIE RICASA currently serves as School Board President of the Sweetwater Union High School District. During these tough economic times, other school districts throughout the state cut thousands of teachers' jobs and eliminated numerous school programs. Fortunately, under Arlie's leadership, diligence and fiscal responsibility, Sweetwater District teachers' jobs were preserved and critical school programs were saved. In her 12-year tenure on the School Board, she delivered a balanced budget, on time, every year. Her leadership results include: increased college admissions, lowered drop-out rates, nationally recognized "green" schools construction, and improved student performance. Sweetwater schools achieved state and national awards. Newsweek magazine named four Sweetwater schools among "America's Best High Schools" in 2010. Arlie was honored by the San Diego County School Boards Association as "School Board Member of the Year 2010."

ARLIE RICASA consistently advocated for students and greater opportunities throughout her years of community service. As a Board of Director for the Chula Vista Police Activities League, she established an on-going scholarship program that has awarded thousands of dollars to numerous local students. As Chairperson of the Board for MAAC Project, a non-profit, she helped provide education, housing, jobs and job-training for local residents.

ARLIE RICASA is endorsed by Independents, Democrats and Republicans including Congressman Bob Filner, Supervisor Greg Cox, State Senator Denise Moreno- Ducheny, San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso, Chula Vista City Councilmember Rudy Ramirez, SMW Local 206, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and SD Co. Democratic Party because Arlie Ricasa serves the students' best interests, not the special interests. THEY AGREE: VOTE ARLIE RICASA for SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, GOVERNING BOARD, SEAT #5.