Roberta Perlman, Pomona Unified challenger

I have been an advocate for the children of PUSD as a parent, community volunteer, business owner, and vocal supporter of quality education and fiscal accountability for the past 17 years. Fulfilling the educational needs of every child of our District is my goal. As your School Board member, I will promote policies to address each child's needs -- whether they have learning differences or excel in the classroom -- emphasizing the values and skills necessary to prepare them for future success in college and career.

I am committed to providing innovative, quality, educational programs and technology/computer training that will prepare our students for 21st century careers. I understand the importance of offering a variety of educational options, from AP classes to technical education to arts/music programs. This will keep our students engaged and motivated. We must effectively address the achievement gap, and need quality academic and career counseling to help identify the needs/interests of each student. Setting high expectations for academics and behavior, and promotion of strong character traits, such as honesty and responsibility, should be a priority.

Our children must feel safe at school and we must promote policies that create a positive learning environment. I will work to eliminate current barriers that restrict our ability to offer our children varied educational/extracurricular opportunities.

All available funding must be directed to the children and classrooms.

As your School Board member I will promote policies that recognize the importance of our parents, teachers, students and community in the educational process and ensure that we all have a voice in budgetary and educational issues. Teachers are the cornerstone of our children's education and I am proud to have received the endorsement of the PUSD teachers association. Our schools should serve as the center of our communities, offering programs that address school/personal safety, career choice, pregnancy/gang/drug prevention and literacy. Our efforts to support our community should include quality Adult Education programs. We must be sensitive to the specific needs of each community within our District.

As an active community volunteer and current President of the Pomona Unified Council of PTAs, President of the Panther Pride Parent Association, founder of Reading Under the Stars Literacy program, tax representative - Measure PS Citizen's Oversight Committee, and an active member of the Pomona Youth and Family Master Plan, I have proven my commitment to the children of our District and to the residents of our community.

Roberta Perlman
Pomona