Why I'm running for Trustee Area 1

Experience, Advocacy, and Community

I've spent 37 years in education as a teacher, vice principal, principal/superintendent, and proud union member. I've advocated for students inside and outside of the classroom, and I'm running for PVUSD Trustee Area 1 (Aptos east of the freeway and Corralitos).

My mom was an award winning reading teacher and taught me the importance of working with all students--especially the kids who need the most help.

• I became a teacher because education is the backbone of a thriving community. I firmly believe that great schools can make great neighborhoods. And along the way I've learned from districts all around the state and country about where real improvement is happening. I'm very careful to use data to measure the impact of innovation, so we are getting a payoff in student learning. Early in my career, I had the benefit of learning from some master social education teachers, so understanding differentiation, feedback, and the need for a welcoming environment became part of my educational DNA.

• I've pioneered new curriculum (building AP Biology and the interdisciplinary Global Health Odyssey at Aptos High), was technology and standardized testing coordinator (where I learned a ton about student achievement data, led the charge for strengthened math requirements, and increased enrollment in STEM curriculum. I became the VP of curriculum and instruction at AHS. I also wrote two popular study guides to accompany best selling novels and films in science--Jurassic Park and The Hot Zone. My Hot Zone study guide got banned in Kansas!

• I led a team that reduced the D and F rate in the required 9th grade health class from 15% to under 3% over a five year period by implementing more project based learning, authentic assessment, and revision and redemption grading policies. Later, in Cupertino, we reduced the biology D and F rate from 9% to under 2%. Progress is possible when you pay attention and mean it,

• At the same time I was selected to lead a national foundation funded teacher training program, partnering with the standards group of the National Academy of Sciences, The Museum of Natural History in New York, and the CDC. We served hundreds of districts and thousands of teachers in implementing new standards based science learning at the middle and high school level.

• Three years running a high performing charter school and working for the California Charter School Association coaching new schools and developing a value-added assessment tool for school performance.

• In 2008, my family and I decided I needed to go back to the classroom. I left school administration and spent the last 17 years of my career in Cupertino. This is a district with 37 home languages, so language access and development was always important. I taught, became a department chair and administrator, and ended by leading interdisciplinary climate awareness and implementation of new climate literacy requirement via SB 385.

  

• Throughout my adult life I've been dedicated to public and community service. Currently, I serve on community boards including:

• Santa Cruz Community Health

• Housing Santa Cruz County

• COPA

• Community Bridges

• Santa Cruz County Democratic Party

• Now, my kids are grown and gone, I recently retired from my career as an educator, and after watching PVUSD face one large challenge after another while lacking community trust, I've decided it's time to give back.

I would be honored to earn your vote in the 2026 election