EGUSD has earned a strong reputation by setting high expectations and investing in student success. We must preserve what is working while responding to changing student needs and closing persistent achievement gaps.

I will support strong instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, history, the arts, technology, and civic learning. I will also advocate for transparent academic goals, responsible use of data, and early support when students begin to fall behind. Area 5 schools deserve the staffing, resources, enrichment, and facilities necessary to help every student thrive, while contributing to academic excellence throughout EGUSD.

Excellent schools depend on the people who serve students every day. Teachers, paraeducators, counselors, bus drivers, custodians, food-service employees, office staff, specialists, administrators, and other district employees each contribute to student success.

I will support respectful labor relationships, competitive compensation and benefits, safe working conditions, manageable workloads, meaningful professional development, and the resources employees need to do their jobs effectively. District decisions should be informed by the experience of those closest to students. Employees deserve to be heard, respected, and treated as essential partners in strengthening our schools.

Every student should graduate with a clear next step and the preparation to pursue it. That may include a four-year university, community college, career training, a registered apprenticeship, military service, public service, entrepreneurship, or direct entry into the workforce.

I will support strong academic and career counseling, dual-enrollment opportunities, financial-aid awareness, work-based learning, and partnerships with colleges, labor organizations, employers, and community organizations. Students should have meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, build practical skills, and understand the full range of possibilities available after graduation.

Students learn best when they feel physically safe, emotionally supported, respected, and included. School safety must address campus security while also recognizing the importance of mental and behavioral health, trusted relationships, effective prevention, and timely intervention.

I will support safe facilities, clear emergency planning, effective responses to bullying and harassment, and access to counselors and other student-support professionals. Every student should know that they belong at school and that an adult will listen when they need help. Families and employees should also have clear, trusted ways to raise concerns and receive a timely response.

Strong schools are built through meaningful partnership with families and the broader community. Engagement should be ongoing, accessible, and based on genuine listening, not limited to moments when a major decision has already been made.

I will support clear and timely communication, language access, transparent decision-making, and more opportunities for families, students, educators, and community members to help shape district priorities. I will also work to strengthen partnerships with local colleges, employers, labor organizations, nonprofits, public agencies, and community groups. Area 5 includes communities with different experiences and needs, and each deserves a meaningful voice in the district’s future.

Strengthening Special Education

Students with disabilities deserve high expectations, timely and individualized services and supports, and equitable access to rigorous academics, career pathways, extracurricular activities, and the full life of their school community. Students and their families are essential members of the Individualized Education Program team and should receive clear, accessible information, meaningful opportunities to participate, and confidence that the services and supports outlined in each student’s IEP will be provided consistently.

I will focus on the districtwide policies, staffing, resources, and accountability needed to strengthen special education. Priorities include timely identification and evaluation, inclusive practices responsive to each student’s individual needs, consistent implementation of IEPs, recruiting and retaining qualified special education teachers, paraeducators, and related service providers, and student-centered transition planning for life after graduation.

The district must also provide general and special education employees with ongoing, role-appropriate professional learning, collaborative planning time, and practical support in areas such as IEP implementation, inclusive instruction, assistive technology, and positive behavioral supports. By listening to students, families, and educators, EGUSD can identify service gaps, improve outcomes, and help every student build independence and pursue their individual goals.

Strengthening EGUSD’s Statewide Voice

EGUSD’s size, experience, and statewide standing give the district an important voice in California public education. We should use that position not only to respond to decisions made at the state level, but also to help shape the conversations and policies affecting our students, families, and employees.

I will support intentional coalition-building with state education leaders, the Governor’s administration, the California Legislature, state agencies, statewide organizations, labor partners, and other school districts. Working together, we can advocate more effectively for reliable funding, educator and staff recruitment, special education resources, safe and modern facilities, student support services, and strong college and career pathways.

Drawing on my experience in public service and external affairs, I will work to ensure that EGUSD brings local needs, practical solutions, and the voices of our community into statewide policy discussions while pursuing partnerships and resources that directly benefit our schools.