After much reflection, I have decided not to seek another term representing District 7 on the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education.

Serving the families, students, educators, and community members of District 7 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together and the progress we have made on behalf of our schools and community.

During my tenure, I advocated for and supported significant investments in our schools, including the approval of $127 million for the long-overdue restoration and modernization of San Rafael Elementary School. Securing these resources for a beloved campus that had waited decades for critical improvements remains one of the accomplishments of which I am most proud.

I have championed facilities improvements not only at San Rafael Elementary but throughout District 7. These investments are not always projects that current families will fully benefit from, but they are essential commitments to future generations of students.

I have also been a strong advocate for dual language education throughout the district. Prior to these efforts, each Spanish dual immersion program operated with its own curriculum and approach. Today, all three programs utilize a unified curriculum, creating greater consistency and expanding access to professional development opportunities for educators. I leveraged both my personal relationships and my role as a board member to advocate for meaningful, high-quality training that strengthens instruction for our students.

My commitment to English Learners has always been deeply personal. As someone who learned English as a second language, I understand firsthand the challenges that students and families face. Throughout my service, I worked closely with the district's English Learner community, serving as a liaison and helping create a district-wide celebration that brings together English Learners and their families. This event has helped build connections, share resources, and strengthen advocacy across our district.

I also supported the design and implementation of math intervention programming that is currently being piloted across the district to improve student achievement and provide targeted academic support.

Beyond our schools, I advocated for the Linda Vista community, supporting the development of a long-neglected space while also preserving the community park that serves as an important gathering place for neighborhood families.

Following the Eaton Fire, I worked closely with the Madison Heights community, advocating for collaborative decision-making, thoughtful traffic management, and a community-centered approach to recovery and transition into the Allandale Campus. 

Throughout my time on the board, I have remained accessible and present for all members of District 7. I have worked to strengthen relationships with Latino families in Pasadena, supported organizations such as Voces Unidas, and advocated for policies and programs that improve educational outcomes and family engagement.

These examples represent only a portion of the work I have been privileged to undertake. I do not typically list accomplishments unprompted, but recent criticism has led me to reflect on the many collective achievements that have been made possible through partnership, persistence, and community engagement.

I want to be clear: my decision not to seek reelection is not the result of accusations or criticism that have recently circulated. I believe it is important to establish a clear separation between those matters and this decision.

At the same time, public service has taught me difficult lessons about leadership, representation, and the realities of public life.

If someone asked me today whether they should run for the school board, my answer would be nuanced. If they have children, I would encourage them to think carefully. Public service should not come at the expense of a family's well-being. Unfortunately, despite our shared commitment to education and community, elected service is not always a safe place for the children of those who serve. 

Despite these challenges, I remain proud of my service. What has kept me committed to this work is the tremendous need for representation and the meaningful relationships I have built with families throughout our community, particularly within our Latino community. I remain proud of the advocacy, partnerships, and trust that we have developed together.

While I will no longer serve in this elected role, my commitment to public education, educational equity, and community service remains unchanged. The need for representation remains. The need for advocacy remains. And the need to ensure that every student and family feels seen, heard, and valued remains.

Thank you to everyone who entrusted me with the opportunity to serve District 7. It has truly been an honor. 

Yarma