VOTE411 Voter Guide

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I have taught children from preschool to post-high school levels during my 30-year experience in the public school system. As an administrator at the three school levels and as an Assistant Superintendent, I gained a “big picture “ view of our public school system. I possess a depth of experience, knowledge, and skill in the area of special education, both as an instructor and as the parent of a former student from the Yakima School District with special needs. I fully understand the parents’ perspective as they advocate for their children’s educational needs. I will be able to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people and address various issues. My bilingual skills (Spanish/English) enable me to communicate effectively with the school district's Hispanic population as well as our English-dominant speaking community.

I believe that the three most pressing issues facing the Yakima School District are: reduction of federal funds at the national level, levy funding issues and meeting the needs of an ever-growing a diverse student population (special needs, language and mental health ).

The issue I consider most important and urgent is funding for school is levy issues at our state level is the impact of Levy Lids: Washington law imposes a "levy lid" to restrict the amount school districts can raise through local property taxes. It is intendent to prevent excessive property taxes and large funding disparities, but the current system still allows for significant funding gaps between wealthy and less affluent districts. Furthermore, the Impact of Levy Equalization is inequitable: While the state provides levy equalization to help districts with lower property values, it doesn't fully offset the disparities created by the levy lid system. The maximum LEA a low-income district can receive is still lower than the amount affluent districts can generate through local taxes. My proposal would be to work closely with our community leaders and voters as well as like-school districts to press our State lawmakers to change the current system to a more equitable one.

As a board member, I would work to ensure the safety of all students through monitoring the policies, procedures, and practices of the school district. This would include reviewing current partnerships with law-enforcement and service organizations, communication with parents/community groups. I will advocate for the power of collaboration as a city-wide and county perspective to do what is needed for consistent safety-measures.

The balancing act with the needs and interest of students, teachers, and parents within the district is a constant "high-wire act" for our school leaders and board of directors. I would use the school boards' goals of equitable access to high-quality education, improving student outcomes, and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment to be my anchors for guiding my action as one of the board members with school funding in mind.

I was born and raised in Yakima and I’m a proud graduate of Eisenhower High School. As a former substitute teacher in the Yakima School District, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our educators and the challenges they face. That experience has given me deep insight into the day-to-day realities of our classrooms. I also bring a strong educational background, over a decade of bookkeeping and budgeting experience, and well-developed communication and community engagement skills. Beyond this, I’ve volunteered with organizations such as First Tee, Special Olympics, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Habitat for Humanity—where I’ve worked directly with children and families, further connecting me to our community’s needs. I will use all of these experiences to support and advocate for our teachers and students, focus on responsible budgeting, and rebuild trust within the district and community.

First, the district’s financial instability threatens essential staff and student programs. Second, trust between the district and community has been weakened by poor communication and transparency. Third, too many of our students are not graduating ready for college or careers. Low test scores and graduation rates show that we must do more to equip students with real-world, job-ready skills that prepare them for success after high school. When we equip students with real-world skills, we not only expand their opportunities, we also help local employers fill jobs, which in turn strengthens our local economy.

The most urgent issue is the district’s financial situation. We need smart budgeting that prioritizes classrooms—not cuts to teachers or essential staff. Balancing financial responsibility with delivering exceptional education requires a strategic, transparent, and forward-thinking approach, especially with potential cuts to education at the federal level. My budget priorities will focus on protecting classroom instruction, teacher jobs, and support staff, while exploring cost-saving strategies that don't compromise student outcomes. This includes streamlining operations, adopting cost-efficient technology, and reducing wasteful spending. I will advocate for long-term financial planning, push for equitable state funding, and create partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. At the same time, I’ll engage the community, increase transparency, and work to rebuild public trust—because responsible budgeting must be both student-centered and community-informed.

A safe learning environment is about more than secure buildings, it's about making sure every student feels protected, supported, and valued. We must continue to prioritize physical safety such as secure entrances, up-to-date emergency alarm systems, and improved communication tools. We also need regularly reviewed emergency plans, clear protocols for lockdowns and drills, and ongoing safety training for staff and students. But physical improvements are only part of the solution. We also need to address the emotional well-being of students by making sure our students have access to counselors, school psychologists, mental health professionals and social-emotional learning programs. A safer school is one where students feel seen, heard and cared for. As a school board member, I will push for a comprehensive approach to safety that includes improving emergency preparedness and strengthening student support systems.

I will listen—actively and consistently— to the voices of students, teachers, parents, and community members. That means open board meetings where every person’s voice and opinion is respected and welcomed, regular communication with teachers and staff to understand what’s working—and what’s not. I’ll focus on policies that support students’ success, while respecting the professionalism of our educators and the concerns of parents. We may not always agree, but I believe we can work together, find common ground, and always put students first. Through transparency, trust-building, and shared problem-solving, I’ll work to find common ground and keep students at the center of every decision.