Dear Voters,

Let’s turn this board of broken promises and chaos into a tool that provides accountability and maturity to the district instead.

As an alum of Mar Vista, Aptos Junior and Aptos High School, I am strongly motivated to make positive change in my community by running for this seat. It is because of my PVUSD education that I was able to earn a BA in Mathematics from UC Santa Cruz, and a juris doctorate (JD) from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law on a full-tuition scholarship.

My work experience in tech and government taught me how to handle people in the midst of conflict so that we can create solutions that work for all of us. In my government work, I performed mediations to settle complaints between hostile parties. In tech companies, where millions of dollars can be at stake, I gained coooperation from different warring corporate factions so that we could actually get things done and move forward. I would love to declutter some of the chaos at the PVUSD so that we can focus on students - so that instead of reacting to one crisis after another, the district can plan strategically and develop a foundation for the next generation.

For 30 years, I have worked with students to bring them better futures as either a volunteer or professional. I have learned about so many school districts from my students, including those who were navigating diagnosed learning differences, coding software, top athletic recruits, and entering the Ivy Leagues. For the last 14 of those years, I have been employed as a college counselor, mentoring students throughout high school. My community service on multiple local boards includes committees dedicated to education.

I will bring a practical and honest perspective while also planning for strong opportunities for the future. That is what every single student in the PVUSD deserves.

I would be honored to have your vote.

Sincerely,

Meilin Obinata