To the Editor:

My name is Karen Ashim, and as a teacher, assistant principal, and counselor at Fillmore High School, I worked closely with Olivia Palacio and endorse her continued leadership on the FUSD School Board.

Olivia has expertise working with students with special needs and all of the students at Fillmore Middle School and High School. As the FHS career tech, she helped all students make plans for after high school. As the UCSB rep, she assisted the counselors to ensure students who wanted to go to college fulfill the requirements. She made time to meet with parents and students after work hours.

Olivia was a working mother as she completed her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Counseling. She is determined to be prepared for helping students by reading and researching the complex issues so that she has a clear understanding of the topics and problems brought to the school board. She takes the time to listen to students, staff, and parents in English and Spanish.

Many of you know Olivia; you know her background as a Fillmore resident for many years and an employee working at Fillmore schools. You know her character, ability, and her judgment.

I no longer work at FHS, but I read the school board agenda, and the weekly Fillmore Gazette. I miss FHS and am very proud of the CA Distinguished School Award. And, I endorse Olivia Palacio for the School Board and thank her for the many years of support to the students.

Karen Ashim,
Fillmore, Ca.