Platform

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I am running for reelection to the  GUSD School Board because I believe in the importance of quality public education. I have 3 children in our GUSD schools at CVHS, Mountain Avenue Elementary, and Roosevelt Middle School. I have a vested interest in seeing our GUSD schools be the best. I firmly believe that every child has the right to a high quality education.

I envision a district where communication is our top priority. I believe that all of us involved in the schools want our children and students to succeed. To that end we must create a district focused on success in the 21st century economy. We must promote programs that are both focused on the future, yet educationally sound. We must be certain that we are always operating in the best interest of our students and resist the temptation to chase after the highest short term test score. 

Vision

I firmly believe that all children have the right to feel safe, nurtured, and accepted on their school campus. I believe it is the job of the district to work with our teachers and parents so that our adults are the models for respectful behavior, fairness, and equality, regardless of the child's status or profile. 

I envision a district where we have a mix of neighborhood and magnet schools. The decision for what type of a school will be based on what is best for the neighborhood. Our specialized programs will be planned out K-12 so that families and teachers understand the direction of the district and are able to effectively plan for the future. Our neighborhood schools are very special places and we should continue to protect the special characteristics of our neighborhood schools. 

Communication

Parents: I will make sure parents are aware and informed about the options they have in our schools. The School Board must do a better job of connecting with parents and bringing them into conversations about programs, safety, and engagement. While we have made great strides in improving communication through our GUSD App, more opportunities for parent engagement, and my own commitment to connecting with parents, we need to continue to reach out at be intentional about connecting with parents.

Community: Our CV area is a unique community as we blend together a variety of communities, Montrose, La Crescenta, Sagebrush area of La Canada, Far North Glendale, Sparr Heights to make one amazing Foothills community. Our community identity is tied to our connections to each other, a dedication to supporting local schools and programs, and that intangible friendly neighbor character. I understand the value of our community and am committed to ensuring our school board makes decisions based on the best interest of the entire community. 

Teachers: Our students learn best when our teachers, parents, and community members work with the same sense of priorities. I will work with our teachers to support the academic programs that are working well within our schools. I will help teachers and parents connect in order to create a learning environment for our students that challenges them, nurtures them, and ensures their ability to succeed. 

Experience

Board Member: I am the current President of the GUSD School Board. In the last 5 years, I have been doing the work of  building community, increasing opportunities for our students, and ensuring safe and secure facilities. I have expanded my reach to advocate for public education by becoming a regional delegate to the California School Boards Association.

Teaching: As an experienced, successful educator, I have the experience needed to evaluate program effectiveness and promote quality teaching. As we are moving towards more specialized programs with implications from elementary through high school it is imperative that we have an educator on the school board who fully understands the impact of these programs. I will work to ensure that we select programs that will most benefit students and provide our families with a broad range of educational choices, from language to arts to technology, etc. 

Parent: As the parent of three very different students in GUSD schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels,  I am closely involved in the programs that will affect the district's future. I understand the need for the schools to reach out and connect with parents to bring them in as partners in their child's education. I will ensure that our parents are aware and well informed about the options they have for their child's education. I will make a conscious effort to bring them into the discussion about their schools and programs. 

The Freemon Commitment to Glendale Schools
* Improve access and input from parents. * Give teachers the support they need to succeed.
* Make every school a strong center of learning. *Ensure all students develop both the real world skills for the future and the critical thinking necessary to succeed.