I have spent my professional career looking for opportunities to improve learning for students regardless of their economic, social, or special needs. I have worked hard to support and provide encouragement to families and fellow teachers who work or live with these children on a daily basis. I want to provide input into our future; our future are the children of our community. I have almost a de
cade of my life contributed to the academic growth of many children in Lodi with my service as an educator at the elementary level. During this time I got to see the many wonderful things the students and staff have done to make Lodi the great school district it currently is. I also have seen the changes that have occurred over the past few years that have put strains on our community and schools and hope that I am able to take what I have seen and experienced and use this knowledge to make a positive difference as a school board member. I have the educational knowledge and training in an array of areas. I have earned a BS in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Learning Disabilities, and an MA in Educational Psychology. I was an active member for years on the Math committee and was the Elementary Building Social Studies Representative for many years. If elected, I am hoping to actively contribute my talents and knowledge to the school board while working collaboratively as a team with other board members. My role, as a board member, would include being prepared, honest, communicate with constituents and superintendent to ensure the needs of all children in the district are being met. One school board member cannot act alone. Effective school board members contribute their unique talents while collaborating and working as a team with other board members and the community. The best way to engage the families and enhance partnerships in the community to maximize student achievement is to actively engage in on-going dialog with families and community partners. Engagement needs to be done in a setting where real dialog occurs and is not just a listening session. I understand that legally there are constraints on what steps and discussions can occur with the school board, but my discussion with current and past members, they always reassure me of the transparency of the board, so if true I am hoping to take that transparency and use that to actively communicate with all interested parties. I cannot make these changes alone, community and staff involvement will help make the changes that are needed to not only make Lodi the best district in our conference, but the best and most sought after district in the state.
