MY VISION

A SMARTER FUTURE FOR PUSD

WHY I'M RUNNING

I am running for the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education, District 7 because PUSD is at an important financial and strategic crossroads.

Declining enrollment, the end of one-time pandemic funding, rising costs, and the impact of the Eaton Fire have created pressures that require wise leadership.

I have spent years contributing to strong school district financial management practices, developing revenue strategies, studying enrollment projections, meeting with auditors and investment bankers, and recommending action steps to bolster the district’s financial standing. I have also spent my career helping students identify, prepare for, and successfully pursue exciting opportunities beyond high school.

Sound finances. Enhanced opportunities and outcomes. Stronger pathways forward.

MY PRIORITIES

1. FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

PUSD needs a long-term financial strategy that reflects the realities of enrollment, expenses, and available resources.

I will draw on my 11 years serving on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Financial Oversight Committee, including serving as the chair overseeing a $220 million budget, to help evaluate the district's financial decisions with rigor and a long-term perspective.

I will focus on:
● Understanding the financial implications of enrollment trends.
● Strengthening long-term budget planning.
● Examining spending and financial assumptions carefully.
● Protecting the district's ability to sustain essential programs over time.
● Ensuring that major financial decisions are grounded in sound analysis.

2. BUILDING NEW REVENUE

PUSD should not limit its thinking to the revenue it receives today.

As chair of a school district Revenue Generation group, I researched strategies used by districts throughout California to expand their financial resources. I want to bring that experience to Pasadena.

I will pursue opportunities involving:

● Strategic fundraising.
● Corporate and philanthropic partnerships and sponsorships.
● Asset management opportunities.
● Deeper partnerships with our municipalities: Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.
● New approaches to attracting outside investment in PUSD.
● Focus on student attendance.

The goal is simple: create more resources for students without compromising the district's long-term financial health.

3. EXPANDING COLLEGE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Every student deserves to graduate from PUSD with a clear path to the future they want — whether that's a four-year university, a trade or technical career, military service, or the workforce.

I have worked as an independent educational consultant for more than 15 years, helping students navigate selective college admissions, academic planning, financial aid, and the application process. I've seen firsthand how much of a difference early guidance and real access make. Too many families are left to figure this out on their own — and that gap shouldn't determine a student's opportunities.

I will advocate for:

Strong college-preparatory coursework that keeps every student’s options open.
Earlier academic planning so students and families are not scrambling in junior year to catch up.
Access to rigorous math and other courses required for competitive university pathways — for every student, not just those in a handful of programs.
Expanded vocational training, internships, credentialing programs, and pathways for students pursuing careers that don't require a four-year degree.
Clearer guidance on college admissions requirements so students and families know what colleges actually expect.
Greater awareness of scholarships and financial aid, so cost doesn't stand between a student and their goals.
Expanded college and career counseling for every student — not just those whose families can afford private consultants.

Every student in our district deserves the guidance and access to shape their own future. That's what I'll fight for on the school board.

LOOKING AHEAD

PUSD has the opportunity to approach this moment differently: with disciplined financial planning, creative thinking about resources, and a sharper focus on the opportunities waiting beyond graduation.

I want to help make sure the district is positioned not simply to navigate today's challenges, but to build for what comes next.

Plan carefully. Act boldly. Open doors.