Don't forget to vote!!

School boards do not get to determine who plays. That is up to the State of California and CIF. I may not understand every circumstance that makes each of our students unique, but I will UNEQUIVOCALLY ADVOCATE FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. That is the job—to represent EVERY student, advocate for EVERY student, and make sure EVERY student has the opportunity to succeed. Our students deserve the best possible education, a school environment where they feel supported and safe, and the preparation they need to become successful members of society. If you are advocating for one group of students at the expense of another group of students – this isn’t the job for you.

IF THIS ISSUE IS IMPORTANT TO YOU ONE WAY OR THE OTHER:  

California State Legislature

California law currently provides that students may participate in sex-segregated school programs, including athletics, consistent with their gender identity. 

The most direct people to contact are:

• Your California State Assemblymember 
• Your California State Senator 
• Legislative committees handling education 
• The Governor, particularly regarding legislation that reaches his desk 

You can find your state legislators by address through the Legislature's official site:
https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

I support public charter schools (i.e. OCSCS) - ones that are run through school districts, as they are regulated and governed by school districts, meaning their curriculum, budget, and staff are all vetted, the curriculum is state approved, and the information is public record. I do not support independent charter schools as they take away much needed income from public education and all of their governance and oversight is handled by the charter board.

My two PYLUSD graduates were never taught this academic and legal framework. However, it is my understanding that it is taught in one or more AP or IB courses. CRT is a graduate-level course at the university level and is not represented in state approved K-12 curriculum. I support an accurate teaching of historical events. Ensuring students and teachers can have open discussions is a crucial part of creating critical thinking skills. Social studies curriculum should follow the California State Standards. 

I support creating classrooms where every student is valued, respected, included, and given the opportunity to succeed. To me, DEI means recognizing that our students come from different backgrounds and may have different needs—and making sure every one of them has access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. As a Trustee, I will advocate for every student, without exception.

I believe parents’ rights are extremely important. Parents have always had rights in our educational system and full review and decisions over curriculum taught to their children, including opt-out forms when requested. Legal documents, such as information in a student’s permanent files, are not allowed to be changed without parent permission. PYLUSD has a system in place to help parents and students. Resources can be provided with parent permission. 

I support the creation of new academies or programs if they are well-planned, carefully budgeted, and beneficial and open to the majority of our students without diverting funds from existing programs. Fiscal transparency is essential when managing taxpayer funds. Allocating $3,000,000 to just 1% of our students raises concerns, particularly given the lack of a current or long-term written budget. We need to look at the numbers and decide if this is something we need to invest in or get rid of.

Our teachers and curriculum experts are trained professionals. A book’s presence in a library does not mean a student must read it. Parents always have options and the right to request alternatives and opt-out forms are available. We need to trust educators while respecting families' input. 

Without testing, how can we measure progress? My experience growing up in a military family and moving from place to place showed me the value of consistency and benchmarks. Testing helps us identify where students excel — and where they need more support. 

AI can be a powerful tool — like a modern encyclopedia — but its place in K–12 learning is still evolving. We must ensure students still develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The right leadership will help implement AI responsibly. 

I am grateful for the support of our educators and their unions, but no union, individual, or special interest will dictate my decisions. I will listen respectfully to all stakeholders—including students, parents, teachers, staff, and the community—but my first and unwavering priority will always be our students.

Every decision I make will be guided by one fundamental question: What is best for the students of PYLUSD? My responsibility as a Trustee is to advocate for every student and make thoughtful, independent decisions that protect their opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.