The AUSD School Board election has concluded, and with it, three of five seats have been taken Kay Kinsler, Shirley Yee, and Raymond Cheung. Each one offers a unique perspective on education and brings an important asset to the table. Here is a little background on the elected AUSD School Board members. 

Nine-year incumbent board member Kay Kinsler has lived in Arcadia with her family since 1998. Before her candidacy, she served as a PTA leader and volunteer for 20 years, and she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. In office, Kinsler seeks to continue to build nurturing learning environments and promises to work “diligently to maintain our exemplary education system.” 

A mother of two, Shirley Yee, boasts a “proven track record” in supporting AUSD as a volunteer. Her positions of involvement include: PTSA President at Holly Avenue, PTSA President at First Avenue, Board Member on Arcadia Council PTA, Measure A Oversight Committee Community Member, Creative World Art Center Board Member, and AHS Athletic Booster Board Member. Yee plans to “advocate for greater communication between the various AUSD stakeholders and the school board,” and strive for “continued excellence in academics, the arts, music, and athletic programs” while in office.     

A United States Marine and UCLA alumnus who majored in American Literature and Culture, Raymond Cheung shows his dedication to not only Arcadia, but his country. After 9/11, his dreams of becoming a teacher were left unfulfilled, as he chose to pursue his Master’s studies in emergency management at George Washington University. Shortly afterwards, his unit was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he worked tirelessly to reopen local schools. Cheung, with over 15 years of experience in government, has also volunteered with the American Red Cross and served on a team deployed to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Cheung stated that he wants to focus on the “security of schools and increase student performance,” according to ArcadiaWeekly.    

All of the newly-elected representatives were wonderful candidates, and will be inspiring board members who will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our district.