Strengthen our schools

Manteca and Lathrop are two of the fastest-growing communities in California, which means that MUSD will be one of the fastest-growing school districts too. That's why I was proud to help lead the charge for Measure A, unlocking up to $260 million in funding to modernize our current campuses and build new schools – a huge step forward for our community!

I am committed to making this new chapter in MUSD's history a great one. I will push for smart, responsible investments in career-technical education, special education, facility renovation, and other important improvements. That way, every classroom can be an excellent learning environment for every child.

I will also listen closely to our families and work hand-in-hand with our City governments to keep new campuses safe and accessible. Students should be able to walk to and from school. With the right leadership, I believe that we can turn that vision into a reality.

With new resources, new students, and even new schools constantly coming to our community, we must ensure that our staff is qualified, motivated, and prepared.

I plan to keep staff compensation at competitive and sustainable levels, so MUSD can recruit and retain competent, credentialed teachers. Once we bring on new staff, our District should provide them with ongoing professional development and support, so our educators have whatever skills and resources they need.

Having mentored dozens of teachers and administrators throughout San Joaquin County, I know firsthand that deep, supportive leadership goes a long way towards making our schools better!

As a teacher, a school administrator, and a parent, I have always believed that it takes a village to raise a child. Let's build deep, transparent, and trusting relationships between our "villages" and our schools, so every family can be included and involved in the Manteca Unified community!

I will encourage District administrators to engage with our families in a variety of ways, such as community engagement fairs, town halls, Rotary memberships, and even just showing up to student programming like sports games and club events!

As always, I plan to lead by example, visiting school sites on a regular basis.

I will also use my experience to improve our communication and coordination with City officials. After all, when we collaborate with police, public health, public works, parks and recreation, and other important City departments, our community can devise creative, effective, and data-driven policies to help our students thrive.