I moved to Culver City five years ago specifically so that my children could attend its phenomenal grade schools.

As my daughter prepares to graduate from El Marino Language School, I am looking at the Middle School and high school with the hope and expectation that she and her brother will continue receiving an extraordinary public education.

Though both schools have shown marked improvement in recent years, there is room for growth. The Nov. 3 School Board election is an incredible opportunity for Culver City’s citizens to get behind our schools and our children with new resolve and vigor.

As a fellow El Marino parent, I have known the candidates Scott McVarish and Anne Burke for years.

I have seen Anne tirelessly dedicate her time and energy to the school, whether by hustling brownies at a bake sale, or serving as PTA president.

Scott was a founding member of United Parents of Culver City, a volunteer organization dedicated to improving our city’s schools.

Moving forward, I have full confidence in Anne and Scott as they work to allocate the $106 million dollar bond they helped secure for improving the health and safety measures at Culver City schools.

They also will forge ahead with pre-apprenticeship academies in science and technology, capitalizing on potential partnerships with our neighbors in bourgeoning Silicon Beach, as well as the industrial arts/trades, ensuring that every Culver City graduate, whether college bound or not, has a bright future ahead of them.

Lastly, I am voting for Anne Burke because as a woman of color she will bring her unique perspective to a School Board that currently lacks diversity and help to more aptly reflect and represent Culver City’s constituents, over 70 percent of whom are people of color or mixed race.

Anne and Scott will bring proven experience and fresh ideas to the School Board.

The Garzas may be contacted at valibiz2@yahoo.com