Priorities

Academic opportunities should not be the first thing on the chopping block when budgets get tight. Budget pressures are real, but we can't lose sight of why families choose PYLUSD in the first place. Strong academic and enrichment programs are part of what makes great schools, and we need to make financial decisions that sustain those opportunities for students.

Placentia-Yorba Linda should be a district where talented educators want to begin, build, and continue their careers. We need to rebuild relationships with teacher preparation programs, strengthen relationships with the educators already serving our students, and create an environment where outstanding teachers choose to stay.

Special education doesn't work without trained staff and dedicated resources. We need to protect special education funding, continue investing in staff training, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations that help students and families access the support they need.

E-bikes, e-scooters, AI, and vaping are real safety concerns that didn't exist a decade ago. We need practical responses that keep students safe, including helmet requirements and riding rules for e-bikes and e-scooters on and around campus; updated policies that address AI-generated content used to harass, impersonate or harm students; and a stronger approach to vaping that includes enforcement and education.

The district's financial challenges won't solve themselves. We need to balance the budget, make decisions with the long-term health of the district in mind, and be honest with taxpayers about the financial choices ahead. Taxpayers deserve confidence that district resources are being directed toward students, classrooms, and educational priorities.