What inspired you to become a school board member?
My husband and I moved to semi-rural Bonsall in 2009 to put down roots for our own children; subsequent leadership within the PTA and the Bonsall Education Foundation highlighted the power of collaboration. I served on the Unification Committee that passed Measure BB in 2012, transitioning Bonsall Unified School District (BUSD) from a K–8 union to a TK–12 unified district, and four years later I helped lead the Measure DD ground campaign, which received a majority of votes but fell just short of the required 55 percent needed to build a high school on a 50-acre parcel zoned for education since the 1960s. Obstructionist politics ignited the justice crusader in me, and in 2018, I defeated a 20+ year incumbent by running on a platform of long-term shared vision. I feel called to support our excellent educators and lead with a student-centered heart. I’ve witnessed our board, district leadership and labor organizations become united as we navigated challenging times. I continue serving, bridging divides and fostering trust so every student, staff member and family in BUSD’s 88 square miles feels supported, empowered and connected to a thriving educational community.
What is Bonsall USD doing to help students achieve and close achievement gaps?
BUSD provides well-rounded learning opportunities for all kinds of learners, embracing arts, athletics and agriculture in addition to academics, with exceptional teachers and staff at all levels. We believe learning happens in the garden and in the studio, on the stage and on the field, in the lab and in our classrooms, as well as on our partner Palomar College’s campus. Recognizing a gap in female and underrepresented students pursuing higher education and careers in the STEM fields, BUSD created the Bonsall Forward Initiative (BFI) to guide district-wide planning and innovation. The BFI program also offers monetary scholarships beginning in fourth grade to encourage STEM exploration for these populations.
BUSD has placed a high priority on our multilingual population, providing robust English language development (ELD) intervention and community outreach for families. The result has been steady growth in our language learner population successfully exiting ELD through reclassification. One of the highlights of the year is our reclassification ceremony, which celebrates students’ achievements with their families and staff.
Another way we address educational gaps is by fostering a sense of belonging in our students through the Bonsall High School Academies and Early College pathways, which provide career-focused learning and college credit/certification. This program has prioritized outreach for students with special needs and those who are the first in their families to attend college, changing the life trajectory of many students now on career and educational paths never previously imagined. Both BFI and the Academies have been recognized for innovation by the Classrooms of the Future Foundation, reflecting Bonsall’s commitment to forward-thinking education. Enrichment across multiple disciplines, paired with targeted academic support, ensures every student has the resources and guidance needed to explore passions, develop confidence and pursue their highest potential.
What do you see as the role of public education?
Public education offers a scaffold for both individual growth and societal vitality. Schools equip students with knowledge, skills and confidence while fostering connections among families, educators and the broader community. In Bonsall, schools are spaces where students explore interests, develop independence and engage meaningfully with others. Strong public education cultivates resilient, civic-minded citizens while providing shared resources, purpose and responsibility. Public education nurtures curiosity, creativity and engagement, preparing all students to thrive in a complex, interconnected world and to contribute meaningfully to society. Above all, it provides the opportunity for all students to achieve the American dream. I believe public education is a cornerstone of civilized society, and I am proud to be a part of something so essential to our American identity.
As one of the relatively few growing school districts, what’s the biggest challenge you see Bonsall USD facing today?
Facilities and funding remain the district’s most pressing challenges. Given the extensive new housing developments in the Bonsall area, we are in an ever-escalating need to expand and update our facilities. Unfortunately, BUSD has faced three consecutive failed bond attempts, highlighting the difficulty of uniting the broader community around long-term structural investments. To open dialogue between BUSD and the broader community, particularly with the San Diego County Supervisors’ appointees advising on local land-use issues, I stepped up to also serve on the Bonsall Community Sponsor Group, currently as Interim Chair. Modern, safe and well-equipped facilities are critical to supporting programs, staff and student learning. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across leadership, labor partners and the community to continually reimagine a system that inspires and empowers every student.
What is your favorite way to spend your time outside of board governance?
I enjoy hiking, photography and collecting heart-shaped rocks in Bonsall and beyond. I am also an avid reader and puzzler and am currently training a service dog. Supporting community arts is a passion; as chair of the Bonsall Woman’s Club-sponsored art show, Stages of Inspiration, I help students and community members showcase talent and foster pride. As an advocate for public parks, libraries and art, I enjoy collaborating with agencies to strengthen these resources. Before traveling to Tanzania in 2024, I learned a traditional Maasai greeting: “Kasserian Ingera,” meaning “And how are the children?” The response, “Sapati Ingera,” or “All the children are well,” reflects the community’s responsibility to protect the young — a powerful reminder of the importance of the next generation. I sometimes jest that it is easier to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa — where I sported an *It’s BonsALL GOOD* beanie at the summit — than to pass a bond to build a school in my hometown. Diverse cultural perspectives coupled with local pride propel me to think globally while acting locally. Everyone has something to teach, and anything is possible.
