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View Ballotpedia profile here. Read Oregonian article about Zone 1 candidates here. From our inbox: Q: As a Gen Z voter who went through the entire Beaverton School District system from elementary to high school, I often felt that we were missing a class that truly prepared us for adult life—things like filing taxes, budgeting, understanding credit, buying a home, or even basic cooking and life skills. If elected to the school board, would you advocate for implementing a comprehensive life skills or financial literacy curriculum to better prepare students for the real world? A: Yes, I would strongly advocate for implementing a comprehensive life skills and financial literacy curriculum in Beaverton schools. As someone who has worked in education for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to equip students not only with academic knowledge, but also with the practical tools they need to navigate adulthood—whether that’s budgeting, understanding credit, filing taxes, applying for housing, or basic health and wellness skills. These are essential for economic stability and personal confidence. And as you pointed out, many graduates feel unprepared in these areas. That’s a gap we can and must close. This kind of curriculum also aligns with the broader goals of career readiness, equity, and empowering students to thrive in all aspects of life—especially those who may not have access to this knowledge at home. I’m especially grateful to hear young voices like yours joining this conversation. Your lived experience matters, and I’d be honored to carry that perspective into the boardroom. Q: As a parent residing in the district, I am writing to inquire about your positions on a couple of important issues.
Firstly, I would like to know if you support the implementation of universal free school lunch for all students in the district (I free acknowledge there might be budget limits but I’m curious if you see it as essential all students get free lunch).
Secondly, I am interested in understanding the measures you’d endorse to ensure the safety and well-being of transgender students, as well as undocumented immigrant children within our schools. A: As a parent and grandmother in this district, and as someone who came to this country as a refugee, I believe public education must serve all children, without exception. That means standing up for inclusion, dignity, and basic needs for every student. Yes, I support universal free school meals. When kids are hungry, they can’t learn. It’s that simple. Our students experiencing poverty and homelessness deserve to have their basic needs met, without stigma, without barriers. While I recognize there are budget challenges, I believe feeding our students is a fundamental responsibility. I would advocate for creative, sustainable funding solutions to expand access to free meals throughout the district. I also strongly support the safety and rights of transgender students, undocumented children, and LGBTQ+ youth in our schools. These students are increasingly under attack, and many are struggling with severe mental health challenges. Every student deserves to feel safe, affirmed, and valued for who they are. I will continue to support inclusive policies, educator training, and strong protections that prevent harm, while working with families and school staff to ensure consistent, compassionate implementation. This is not hypothetical for me. I have defended our immigrant students when ICE agents came into our schools, and those experiences have never left me. I carry those students' fear, resilience, and hope with me in everything I do. I know what it means to feel vulnerable—and I know the power of having someone in your corner. Several people have advised me not to include DEI on my flyer or campaign materials—saying it’s not safe, that it could hurt me politically. But I told them: these are precisely the reasons I’m running. This is not a time to be afraid. This is a time to be courageous, especially for the students who have historically been left behind. I will not back away from advocating for equity, inclusion, and dignity in our public schools. These are not side issues—they are central to why I’m running. Our public schools must be places where the most vulnerable are protected, where all students can thrive, and where equity is not just a value, but a daily practice.
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