Community Transformation and Involvement

"Educating the future of all children"

Many polls and surveys indicate that Americans identify education to be one of the top leading domestic issues. Specifically, the concern is not only reforming public schools but achieving academic success for all students. Azusa is no exception to this challenge and the need for community transformation.

The world today is fast changing and highly technological. Staying competitive in our own communities require the collaboration of various stakeholders locally. According to educational experts, reaching this goal will require increased cooperation among the schools themselves and a new kind of collaboration with the families and communities served by the schools.

In order to have an effective result and improve public education, the school's traditional role should be expanded to include a mutually interdependent relationship among home, school, and community.

I will advocate for creating the following:

- Build open communication between the School Board and the community. The purpose is not to simply report what the School Board is doing but rather engage the community to be involved in various outreach programs.

- Create a list of available programs to make appropriate referrals to other relevant services/agencies locally and in the region. Place students in various industries in which they can benefit from internship to job placement.

- After School Activities. Explore the implementation of quality after-school activities to provide students with additional academic support and other social activities. Activities that encourage learning include money management, independent living, problem-solving, banking, budgeting, shopping, communication, community access, travel exploration, self-advocacy, and social skills.

- Implement "Adopt a School" program with local businesses. This program will be an outreach to work with business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce and industry leaders in order to create a transition to life after high school. This will help build independence and quality of life.

- Encourage the District to buy locally.