KimOanh’s Candidate Statement
Position: Garden Grove Unified School District Trustee

As an incumbent on the GGUSD Board of Trustees, I’m proud to report that Garden Grove Unified School District is in a better place than it was four years ago when I was first elected.  Not only are our students achieving at a higher rate, the academic gap between the subgroups within the student population are smaller.  Additionally, more students are prepared to enter a four-year university upon graduating from our high schools, because many of our core courses have been revised and strengthened to meet the A-G requirements for college admission. In short, we are changing the old culture  that simply readies our students to receive a high school diploma to a new, more involved school system that  prepares young people to make real life choices upon graduating, from enrolling at a community college, entering a technical/vocational program, or pursuing a degree at a four-year university.  Even the graduates who choose to enter the workforce directly from high school will find employment with better earning potential because they have mastered the advanced math and English language skills.

The District continues to maintain a positive relationship with our teaching force.  While we have high expectations of our teachers, we also value and support all of their instructional needs. GGUSD’s teacher salaries and benefits are amongst the best in the County.  Our effective fiscal management and practices afford us to keep all of our teachers, rather than resorting to lay-offs, which is occurring in many other County districts during this economically difficult time. GGUSD facilities, including our classrooms and labs are well maintained and equipped with up-to-date technology.  Our administrators and school leaders are hard-working, dedicated and committed professionals who value partnerships with parents and community members.

As I look forward to serving our community for the next four years, I will continue to keep our students’ academic and developmental needs as our first priority. Our society’s future well-being depends on our students’ successes in school and in life. Thank you for placing your trust in me.  It is an honor to serve you.