Candidate for
Trustee; San Jose Unified School District; Trustee Area 5

Occupation: Retired Educator
Education and Qualifications:
As a parent and as a retired teacher and principal at both the middle school and high school levels in San Jose Unified, I have come to understand the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, school employees, and the district to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education in a clean and safe environment. Whether a student wants to enroll in college or enter the job market, I fully believe that we must focus valuable resources on preparing all students for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st Century.

My former roles as a teacher, administrator, and principal, including at Leland and Pioneer High Schools and Bret Harte and Castillero Middle Schools, instilled in me the importance of investing in the recruitment and retention of the best and brightest teachers. I strongly believe that we must focus our limited resources in the classroom, so that we may improve the learning and working conditions of our students and teachers. If we are going to prepare our students for the ever-changing job market, we must give our teachers the tools necessary to help our students succeed. That means building on our core academic programs like math, science, and technology, but it also includes making the arts, athletics, and other electives a priority to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

Soliciting the advice of classroom teachers is imperative to understand what is truly needed to improve the learning experiences of our children. I will promote the need to include teachers in making curriculum and policy decisions that impact the classroom. Equally important is empowering the district and the school sites to set expectations for teachers and administrators thus creating more accountability for their performance. If elected, I will strongly advocate for high expectations for staff, as well as students and parents. Setting high expectations promotes better learning in the classroom and positive school climates.

As a member of the school board, I will focus on the child from pre-kindergarten through high school. I will build on the quality and reputation of local schools. I will strive for better local policies and more efficient fiscal management at the district level. I will work for more local control and the protection of our district from unnecessary encroachments from the state and federal governments. I respectfully ask for your vote.