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City: Saugus Union
Position Seeking: Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up and its impact on you.

I was in my high school speech class and one and another student told me that I have a great voice and I should consider singing in Glee Club. I thought it sounded fun so I tried out and made it and fell in love with you music and to this day love vocal performances.

Question 2: How can arts education support student outcomes such as English language development, reducing the achievement gap, and preparing youth for college and/or meaningful careers?

The arts allow for educators to reach students in non-traditional ways and can be used effectively to stimulate tactile, visual and auditory learners. By incorporating music and drama to supplement reading it brings the stories to life.

Question 3: What do you think the role of the School Board should be in ensuring that students have continued access to a broad range of study subjects, including the arts (broadly defined)?

One of my top goals is to work toward equity in programs at all our schools. Currently, the arts are supported largely by parent groups and can vary from site to site. We need to embrace a district-wide plan to use community groups and foundations to spread the benefit.

Question 4: Do you see a role for arts education in the development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs)? If so, how would you hope to use arts education to advance the eight priority areas identified in the LCAP template?

Through our LCAP we identified the need to increase student achievement growing their understanding, appreciation and participation in the Arts. We identified the need to Increase the number of teachers trained to provide arts- integrated instruction. Additionally, we have instituted a Arts teacher on special assignment to help guide the process. I support these efforts and current LCAP.