Board Member — El Dorado Union High School District

As a graduate of Ponderosa High School, and a resident of El Dorado County since 1976 I have a personal bond with this District and sincerely hope to be Elected into a position to influence its direction.

Education is my passion and understanding the needs of High School youth is my profession. As a Behavioral Therapist I spent six years working at La Sierra Community High School observing, assessing, and advocating for students with learning differences or special needs. I sat in on SST’s, 504’s, and IEP’s contributing relevant information regarding home, school, and community issues. For over four years I worked in a Pediatrics Practice with youth and families in need of navigating diagnosis, prognosis and outcome. Currently I operate as a private practitioner working to find solutions for youth 10 to adult and their families. Additionally, I have served our community as a youth coach for 10 years, as a member of PTA, and on School Site Council.

Iam a wife, and a mother of three children two of whom graduated from Oak Ridge High and one who is a Junior. My son recently graduated from San Francisco State University, and I have a daughter who is a sophomore at Chapman University. I care deeply about the future of our youth and want to make sure our High School Board works toward creating a district of national prominence.

I am an inclusive leader and one who believes in collaboration, outreach, and recruitment as opposed to promoting from within. I support a sustainable educational experience which prepares kids for a global or local marketplace. By advising our district to create many more opportunities than are currently available, we can truly prepare students for lifelong success as fully functioning and contributing members of society. Please choose me for High School Board of Trustees on your 2016 Ballot.

I believe that education is the key to opening the door to a successful future. As a Board member, my goal is to create sustainable educational opportunities for all types of learners. For those who thrive in a global minded environment, I want to expand our Advanced Placement options. For our students who want to make a difference in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art’s and Mathematics, I want to establish a STEAM program. And for those who want to enjoy a main stream High School experience, I want to continue to support the variety of courses currently offered to our students and add more according to request. I will work to increase access to new technology and direct our district to update and improve our current technology. www.electdeloylink.com

For our many High School students who require an alternative way to develop well-rounded education rich in context but varied in content, I will support an AViD program, where students identify an academic path which provides meaning and purpose. Participating in CTE, ROP, or the Community College uses a combination of educational and practical experiences to prepare kids for a career field of self-fulfillment and monetary value. Students shouldn’t simply be expected to learn “standards”, they should be prepared for their education to lead them into a career. I would like to create a career center which is also a placement center for students who need to use work study as a part of their education.

Sustainable education for all types of learners requires abundant opportunities. Our district needs outreach. We need better relationships with Community Leaders, Business’s, College Recruiters, Athletic Scouts, Politicians, Law Enforcement, and Districts outside our own to look to for mentoring purposes. We need to identify the youth at risk of not graduation or not fulfilling their standard A through G classes by the end of their sophomore year in order to guide them toward an alternative educational experience.