Palma challenges Mackintosh for board position

After several years of uncontested school board elections in the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD), incumbent and Board President Patricia Rodriguez-Mackintosh now faces a challenger: Yvonne West-Palma. Both candidates hail from District 3 and aim to secure a seat in the upcoming general election on Nov. 8.  Rodriguez Mackintosh’s interview was conducted over email whereas West-Palma’s interview was conducted over the phone.

Patricia Rodriguez-Mackintosh

Tell us about yourself:

After high school I opted to go to a vocational trade school [at] Marinello’s Cosmetology Beauty school which allowed me to work within my schedule and be home to raise our children.  I taught Bible study at our church for five years and then started volunteering in the classroom at Marguerita Elementary and at Alhambra High School, almost from the first day my daughter entered kindergarten in 1982, and I still continued to volunteer my time.

I have been a part of PTA (1982 -2014) at Marguerita and AHS, and have served in many capacities including multiple terms as president and treasurer. I have also served on School Site Committees (AHS), Alhambra Parks and Recreation Commission (10 years); Alhambra Library Board (two years); Alhambra Education Foundation Board (12 years); Alhambra High School’s football concession stand (17) years. I started the Drill Team Booster Club in 1995 and have been organizing GradNite at AHS for the past 22 years.

Why are you running for school board?

I have been on the board for 11 years and nine months, and it has been a great learning experience to be able to help, to be part of and to see all the wonderful changes that our students received.

I’m running again for the board because throughout my years of service, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with many exciting improvements and very important matters facing AUSD from construction of new buildings to improvements of existing school properties, things like air conditioning, playgrounds, cafeterias and lunch areas which ultimately benefit our most valued priority, the children of our wonderful school district.

Also the many list of accomplishments that I am proud to have been associated with during my tenure: improved API (Academic Performance Index); increased participation in AP classes; and Critical Incident Training (Emergency/Disaster Training). One of the sources of greatest pride as I served our students is the Gateway to Success Program which reaches out to students and staff in an effort to support and improve communications through all levels of our school system. This program has also provided support and opportunities for parent involvement in the program with the overriding goal of reducing suspensions, expulsions, and the general need for discipline.

I am proud of the numerous Golden Bell Awards that Gateway to Success has received statewide for our Health and Welfare programs. A few additional awards and recognitions which make me extremely proud are the California Distinguished Schools, Title 1 Academic Achievement, and Academic Decathlon.

I could go on and on but this is just to name a few great things that are happening at AUSD.

What do you plan to do if re-elected?

I am only one of five board members so to implement anything it would take all five us, but I have a few things that I would like to see more of and that is to build on our CTE program (Career Technical Education). Not all students can or even want to go to college; it’s a matter of choice, so we need to have something in place that will help our students see that there are other options out there for them, like I did by going to a vocational school. Also to have a better communications with our teachers, staff, parents, and students.

Yvonne West-Palma

Tell us about yourself:

I’m currently a Speech & Language Pathologist at LAUSD, where I have worked for the last 16 year. I grew up in Hawaii and moved to California in 1988 for college.  I eventually made my permanent residence in Alhambra in 2004.

I graduated from USC with a B.S. degree in psychology then continued my education at Cal State L.A. for my masters degree in communication disorders.

I have two young daughters, one is 8 years old and the other 11years old. They both attend Park Elementary.  I have been on Park Elementary’s  PTA for the last three years.  My first and third year I’ve been the president.

I was chairman of the PTA Founder’s Day annual event last school year 2015-16, which raised money for five scholarships for AUSD High Schools.

I care about the progress of the children and the community of AUSD.

Why are you running for school board?

I have a strong passion for education and want to be more involved in our district and to be sure the educational goals are being met.

I want to be sure that teachers have the tools they need to be effective, which means listening to teacher feedback.

I am a strong advocate for education and want students to meet state standards in

order to prepare them for 21st [century] skills.

I have this saying that was inspired from the quote “Happy wife = Happy life” and it’s “Happy Teachers = Inspired Students,” because I feel that if we provide our teachers with the materials and support they need in turn it will help our students succeed.”

What do you plan to do if elected?

I want to be sure we provide support and materials technology wise for teachers to enhance student learning.

I also want to be sure we provide relevant professional development for all teachers to ensure their success.

I want to be out in the community more and address any issues that may arise, because I believe all voices are important.

I feel that when working towards the school boards goals it has to be collaborative with all stakeholders.

State standards obviously need to be met, but each student may have a different way of reaching those standards.  It’s definitely important to listen to our students’ needs.