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, overseeing bond portfolio performance, and conducting long-term planning. 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 OPPORTUNITY
Students should graduate from PUSD with the academic preparation and guidance to pursue the future they want.
As an independent educational consultant, I have spent more than 15 years helping students navigate selective college admissions, academic planning, financial aid, scholarships, and the application process.
I will advocate for:
● Strong college-preparatory coursework.
● Earlier academic planning for students and families.
● Access to rigorous mathematics and other courses required for competitive university pathways.
● Better understanding of college admissions requirements and expectations.
● Greater awareness of scholarships and financial aid.
● Expanded college guidance for students who may not have access to private counseling.
Every student should understand what opportunities are available—and what it takes to reach them.
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.