Candidate Q&A: Top Issues Facing SPUSD

and incumbents and are running for the two school board seats up in South Pasadena's November elections. (Click on each name to learn more about the candidate.)

We asked each candidate: What are the top issues facing , and how do you plan to address them?

The California budget crisis has severely affected the operation of most school districts in the state. Since the district relies on the state for revenue, it must be closely monitored. The school board must exercise good judgment on approving programs, working with outside agencies in providing programs and provide long-term strategic planning.

The strong relationships between the staff, teachers and community must be nurtured. The strong learning environment is a result of the collaboration between the groups. The strategic goals that the school board and staff have implemented are instrumental in directing our district to high student achievement.

The biggest challenge remains in trying to be successful and globally competitive despite the state crisis in education funding. I am on the California School Board Association's State Delegate Assembly, and am using my position to advocate for public education at the state level.  I also work hard to maintain fiscal stability and responsibility locally.

The main issue is maintaining academic excellence in a downward economy. Less available funding generates further challenges on the distribution of dollars among competing priorities and increased costs. This has the potential of negatively impacting our students because of reductions in the number of classes, increases in class size, insufficient number of counselors, and/or increased deferred physical maintenance of our schools. 

In a small district like ours, this means that we have limited budget flexibility and fewer areas to trim expenses, possibly creating imbalance in services. An alternative during difficult times is to look for ways to generate additional revenue from local and/or state sources, such as the current proposal to sell or long-term lease district property for commercial purposes.

My professional background can assist the district to quickly analyze, evaluate issues and make critical decisions. I have worked on public-private partnerships with multiple governmental agencies and broker the building and completion of school facilities. I know the importance of listening and achieving results by developing coalitions with impacted communities and stakeholders.

I have also developed and utilized performance metrics for various programs to advance strategic goals, and I know the importance of including parents, teachers and administrators in order to achieve those goals.