Top 4 Issues for a Second Term

While TUSD students havemade enormous growth these past few years, there is a lot of work left to do. TucsonI understand that TUSD needs to do even better in addressing reading, writing, and math proficiency among our students I intend to hold district leadership accountable for academic growth. 

This is not just about bench mark test results, I will strive to improve high school graduation rates, the number of students enrolled in technical education and who are ready for the workforce upon graduation, and the social and emotional wellbeing of students that is paramount for them to succeed as adults. 

I will work to implement programs and deploy staff resources to focus on what the evidence and data show work best for student growth and achievement. 

On the Governing Board,  I have supported better pay and working conditions for TUSD teachers and staff. I ensured part of the ESSER (Covid Relief) funds would go straight to teachers and staff through over $8500 in supplemental pay for each TUSD employee, increased the minimum wage to over $15 an hour, and supported better pay for teachers.

I listened to teachers struggling with student behavior and discipline, and prioritized the district’s revision to the student Code of Conduct.

In my second term, I will continue listening to teachers and staff, work with TUSD unions, and advocate for improved pay and working conditions so that TUSD students have the best teachers and staff to support their learning and growth.

As a family physician, I’ve used my expertise to support teachers and staff health insurance benefits, fight against premium increases, and work with district leaders and community partners to find alternative benefits programs that keep costs down for employees and focus on health and well-being.

If re-elected, I will continue promoting sound financial stewardship of TUSD, including ensuring that the voter-approved bond funds are used as promised to our community.

I have spent my entire career as a family physician serving Spanish-speaking communities, communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized populations. I believe that education in foundational to all communities, and that all students, regardless of background and zip code, should have access to high quality educational opportunities.

On the TUSD Governing Board, I have worked to ensure programs and services reach all students throughout the district.  I have helped expand music and arts to all schools, advocated for the most at risk students to receive the targeted services provided by Esser (Covid Relief) funds, and ensured each and every school received benefits from the recently passed TUSD Bond. 

Although TUSD has been released from court supervision of its over 40-year-old desegregation case, I will continue the work to reduce disparities in educational achievement among students of color. I will continue the work to ensure LGBTQ+ students feel safe and valued in TUSD. And I’ll fight to ensure all schools have access to resources their students need.