Campaign email: ysela@bravo4boe.com
Website: https://www.bravo4boe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bravo4BOE/
Age: 55
Employment: HR Manager, Asian American Center of Frederick
Education: B.A., Ryokan College
Why are you running for the school board?
I am running for school board because I believe that all children should have the broad educational choices and experiences that were afforded to my children. As a former PTA president and substitute teacher, I know firsthand that a nurturing learning environment comes about only through steadfast dedication and hard work. I look forward to meeting this challenge, to serving the community, and to expanding opportunities for success for every child in the county.
What makes you a good candidate for the board?
My experience as a human resources manager has taught me the value of successful recruiting and retention plans. I also quickly learned the importance of establishing a sound understanding with employees through clear communication. I have successfully advocated for my employees under tight budgets. I have served as treasurer and president of NMES PTA and was a substitute teacher, including in special education classes. As the Human Resources and Community Relations manager at a local nonprofit that serves this community, I’ve gained invaluable insight into the experiences of families in need and the difficulties they face with school communications.
Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.
I live in Frederick County and have been impressed by our County Executive, Jan Gardner. She has had to lead a purple and divided county through growth and change while instituting a new charter government. Our county has a triple A bond rating and has experienced economic growth even through a pandemic. She has brought back funds to our county that help those that need it and has shown her dedication to our schools through funding.
What is the most important issue facing your school board, and what would you do about it if elected?
Retention is the most important issue in this race. From our bus drivers and custodians to our teachers and administrators, recruiting and retaining an energetic, talented staff has to be a top priority because these individuals create the environment in which our children learn and thrive. Schools are just buildings until educators and staff invest in them to make them come alive. We, in turn, should be just as creative and committed to finding innovative ways to ensure that our great educators and staff want to stay in our schools and can afford to live in our community.
How concerned are you about school safety, and what if anything should be done to improve it?
School safety is always a concern. Mental health issues, bullying, harassment and violence are issues that need to be addressed. Our schools have to be a welcoming environment where every child can be seen for who they are and receive help when they need it. We need trained counselors in our schools that our students can trust and build relationships with.
Do you have any concerns about the way history is taught in your district’s schools, and if so, what are they?
I would prefer more examples of diversity in our books and history lessons to exemplify the true history of our country.
Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries, and if so, what kind of books should be removed?
No – I have faith in the library professionals that stock our school libraries.
