First published in the Nov. 3 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
We are blessed to live in La Cañada Flintridge where the candidates for School Board possess proven leadership and dedication to serve our community. As much as politics should stay out of public education, the deciding factor for selection is often based on whether or not a candidate is aligned with our personal and political beliefs. Here are the reasons why my vote is for Debra (“Debbie”) Barsom.
I met Debbie six years ago at a La Cañada Presbyterian Church Parent Education class. Our fundamental rearing of children is based on a foundation of listening, communication and guidance through understanding of the physiological development of children at various stages. Although the program is developed under a Christian foundation, there is an underlying tone of acceptance of differing faith and political views in order to better focus on the well-being and benefit of our children. Debbie believes in this focus and volunteered for various Parent Ed Board positions, eventually becoming president and now adviser.
Later, Debbie joined me to volunteer for Kidspace Children’s Museum Circle of Friends Board where she became president in her fifth year. In those five years, she helped to raise net $1.2M for Kidspace’s operating expenses and to make field trips to the museum possible for Southern California students in Head Start and other school programs. She also helped the new CEO implement new programs post-COVID to answer the long-term success of a cherished, local institution.
Now, we volunteer together at our schools’ respective PTAs and the LCF PTA Council where we’re immersed in dialogues on the DEI Initiative, Accountability Plan, School Accountability Report Cards, etc. Her stance is on a moderate platform where all voices are considered and communication between parents and educators is vital. More than 50% of our school population is in elementary schools. Issues on early childhood education are constantly changing and there is no other candidate with elementary schoolchildren to round out the board. With three children at LCE, Debbie will be a force for families with young children.
Please vote for Debra Barsom for LCF School Board!
Judy Lin Young
La Cañada Flintridge
