Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Bassett Unified School District

Natalie M. Ybarra: Dedicated to Opportunity for All Students

In order to continue enhancing our community, we need proven leaders with a focus on providing all students with equal access to quality public education.

Natalie M. Ybarra, a candidate for the Bassett Unified School Board, is both an example of academic achievement and an advocate for providing all students the support and opportunity to realize their full potential. As the oldest of five raised by a single mother in a union household, Natalie knows the importance of hard work and perseverance. She understands the complex challenges students in our community face and has worked to provide educational opportunities that meet diverse student needs.

Natalie is from the community. She attended local public schools, graduated at the top of her class, and received a full scholarship to Columbia University. Being the first in her family to attend college, she attributes much of her knowledge and access to higher education to the Harvey Mudd College Upward Bound Program. Her participation in the program sparked her interest in education and solidified her passion for advocacy. She recognized the unique opportunity Upward Bound provided her and has been committed to giving back to students since.

Natalie is a proven leader who has been actively involved in the community. Throughout college, she volunteered to provide comprehensive pre-collegiate/dropout prevention services to New York City youth. Upon graduation, she returned to the HMC Upward Bound program to educate low-income, first-generation college-bound students from five local schools, including Bassett High. As the former Assistant Director of Upward Bound, Natalie worked with Bassett students, parents, and teachers to support quality education and access to college.

Natalie has dedicated her career to public service. She recently joined the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, and also serves on the Bassett Bond Oversight Committee and the 48th DAA Board of Directors. In the past, she's served as the Vice Chair of the Baldwin Park Planning Commission making decisions that positively impact the community, as well as co-hosted an annual college readiness workshop series for students and families.

Natalie believes education is a social responsibility and by improving the quality our schools, we provide our students a framework for success and improve our community as a whole. Bassett has seen progress, but there is more to be done.

As such, Natalie is committed to:

Prioritizing Students: Placing students first, with a special focus on increasing access to academic, arts, athletic and other extra-curricular programs

Working Collaboratively: Engaging the community and welcoming all teachers, parents, and residents to participate in a transparent decision-making process

Fiscal Accountability: Ensuring tax dollars are spent in a manner consistent with stakeholders' intentions, focusing on efficient/effective spending, and maintaining a balanced budget

Natalie will work diligently to provide all Bassett students with a quality education for a future of success.

Vote Natalie M. Ybarra for Bassett Unified School District on November 3rd!