Jennifer Mak for TUSD School Board, Trustee Area D

Dr. Michael Romero

Local District South Superintendent, LAUSD (Retired)

It is my honor to enthusiastically support Jennifer Mak for Torrance Unified School District Board of Education. As a Torrance resident and former Local District South Superintendent with the Los Angeles Unified School District, I could not think of a finer candidate to represent the youth, families and educators of Torrance Unified and the City of Torrance.

As a long time colleague, I have known Jennifer Mak to be an outstanding teacher, exemplar principal and effective district leader who always put students and families first. She worked diligently to ensure that all students were provided a safe, nurturing and rigorous learning environment, and through her leadership her schools continued to accelerate academic achievement for all students.

I have admired her diligence and sincerity, and know that her great knowledge and skill set in leading highly effective school communities will translate into her serving as an outstanding school board member for my great City of Torrance.

Michele Nadeau

Former PTA President, Richardson Middle School & South High School
Former Executive Board, Riviera Elementary & Torrance Council of PTAs
26-Year Area D Resident

I have known Jennifer Mak for over twenty years! I remember sitting on the school bus more than once with Jennifer as we chaperoned field trips at Richardson Middle School. Our children attended Riviera Elementary, Richardson Middle and South High School together and her daughter was in our girl scout troop.

Jennifer is thoughtful, pragmatic, intelligent and very approachable — she is eager to listen and wants to hear your concerns. She and her family have lived a few blocks from me for nearly 30 years. She truly cares about our community and decided long ago that she wanted to make a difference. Her experiences as a teacher, principal, administrator and most importantly, an Area D parent, enables her to speak from multiple perspectives as she advocates for our students and families.

The School Board is the governing body for our public school district. Our board members represent our community values and help to set a strategic direction for our students' education. To me the choice is clear.

I am voting for Jennifer Mak for TUSD Area D. I hope you will too!

Jennifer Mak (left) with Mary Ring at the meet and greet Mary hosted in her home

Mary P. Ring

Former Assistant Superintendent of Student Services & Torrance Resident

I am writing as a Torrance resident and voter, and as someone who has spent a career in public education, to support Jennifer Mak for the Torrance Unified School District Board of Education.

I served fifteen years as a director of special education, then as an assistant superintendent of student services/executive director, and also as a SELPA director — in traditional school districts and in public charter schools. In those roles I sat in front of a great many governing boards, in both settings. The ones that governed well had at least one member who had done the work — who knew what a policy adopted on a Tuesday night actually costs the people who have to carry it out on Wednesday morning.

Jennifer Mak is that kind of candidate. She taught. She then served as an administrator. She knows how a school day is built, how a budget decision lands in a classroom, and what staff can and cannot absorb. That is not a small thing on a board whose decisions are implemented by several thousand employees.

She is also the mother of TUSD graduates. She has watched this district do its work from the first day of kindergarten through a diploma — not a snapshot, the whole arc, with her own children in it.

Boards do not run schools. Their job is oversight, and the hardest part of oversight is knowing which questions to ask. Jennifer Mak will know. She is not seeking this seat to begin a career. She is offering a career that is already behind her, in service of the community her children grew up in. Torrance would be fortunate to have her. She has my vote.

Maureen Dearden

Longtime Area D Resident

Jennifer Mak has the experience of a teacher, a principal, and as a parent of three students that attended our neighborhood Torrance schools for Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Maks have been part of our community since 1998. Jennifer has successfully turned around low-performing schools and improved teachers, including those who are new or not as strong as their colleagues. We have an opportunity to elect a seasoned educator and parent with proven experience to make our schools the best they can be.

Dr. William Blischke

Former Torrance & Redondo Beach School Board Member

As a former university professor and administrator as well as an elected school board member in Torrance and Redondo Beach, I am sure that Jennifer Mak will be a great Board member. I strongly encourage you to vote for her.

Dr. Adaina Brown

Former LAUSD Region West Superintendent

I am proud to personally endorse Jennifer Mak for School Board. Having served as Jennifer's supervisor during her time as the Hamilton Community of Schools Administrator in LAUSD, I had the opportunity to see firsthand her unwavering commitment to students, educational excellence, and collaborative leadership. Jennifer leads with integrity, listens thoughtfully, and consistently puts the needs of children, families, and educators first. She possesses the experience, judgment, and dedication needed to help shape a strong future for our schools. My endorsement is offered in my personal capacity and reflects my own views, not those of my employer or any organization with which I am affiliated.

Neighbors gathered in a living room to meet Jennifer Mak

Suzanne McNulty

Aviation Litigation Attorney for 35 Years (Retired), 26-Year Torrance Resident

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Jennifer Mak when she came knocking at my door to introduce herself as a candidate for the Torrance Unified School District Board of Education. I admired Jennifer’s calm, cool and collected presence which triggered a candid and open discussion of my family’s experience with the Torrance Unified School District. Jennifer listened.

Thereafter I attended a meet and greet in which Jennifer and her husband generously opened the doors of their home to discuss the issues and challenges facing our educational system. This further solidified my belief that Jennifer is uniquely suited for this position. Not only because of her broad extensive knowledge and experience in education, but because of who Jennifer is as a person. She makes it her business to hear what voters are concerned about and thoughtfully responds. I was drawn in by her sincerity and strong desire to enhance each student’s educational experience to meet each student’s maximum potential. Jennifer cares deeply about her community as demonstrated by both her words and actions. Jennifer’s previous experience is a testament to her devotion to improving student achievement. Notably, Jennifer is committed to breaking down cultural and socioeconomic barriers to give students from all walks of life a fair and equal chance to succeed.

Jennifer has the time, fortitude, heart, work ethic, energy, determination, and know-how to get the job done. In short, Jennifer has much to bring to the table and I know she will be a tremendous asset to our educational system and community as a whole.

“I know her work ethic, I know her heart, and I know she will serve the Torrance community with distinction.”

Gina Ellis

Retired Los Angeles Unified School District Director and Former TUSD Parent

As a former colleague who worked closely alongside Jennifer Mak for eleven years, I am proud to enthusiastically support her candidacy for the Torrance Unified School Board of Education.

Few candidates possess the depth of firsthand knowledge that Ms. Mak brings to the table. Having served as both a classroom educator, coach, and a school administrator, she has an intimate understanding of the school system from the ground up. I have watched Jennifer navigate the daily realities of managing a school, and I have seen her successfully tackle the complex, high-stakes structural choices that administrators face. This dual perspective is exactly what the Torrance Unified School Board needs to make informed, practical policy decisions.

Throughout our decade of working together, Jennifer Mak consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every single child succeeds. Ms. Mak does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Instead, she looked closely at data, listened to staff and parents, and implemented targeted strategies to support struggling learners while keeping academic standards high. I will never forget when Jennifer worked tirelessly for weeks to design lesson plans and professional development sessions for a new mathematical approach to assist elementary teachers in our network of schools.

Jennifer Mak knows that a school board member's role is to govern collaboratively, support educators, and protect tax dollars. She possesses the rare combination of institutional expertise, fiscal responsibility, and absolute integrity. I know her work ethic, I know her heart, and I know she will serve the Torrance community with distinction.

“an active and engaged listener, a solution-based leader who bases decisions on data.”

Linda Beck

Retired School Administrator

I proudly support Jennifer Mak for the Torrance School Board Area D seat. Ms. Mak brings proven experience is improving student achievement, smart budget management, and strong community collaboration to the Torrance schools. As a former School Board Member in an adjacent community, I understand the responsibilities of a school board seat and the skills needed for successful service. Ms. Mak and I were colleagues for a number of years; she demonstrated herself to be an active and engaged listener, a solution-based leader who bases decisions on data, and an educator who actively and openly values the contributions made by teachers, administrators and parents. Throughout her campaign, I have observed Ms. Mak engage with the community actively taking notes on areas of strength and need, and subsequently review school data for trends that help clarify parent accolades and concerns. The degree of focus she has dedicated to the campaign will continue during her service. I am confident that Ms. Mak will be asset to the Torrance School Board.

“She has demonstrated proven leadership and a deep commitment to students, families and educators.”

Tracy Joseph

Retired School Educator/Administrator

I enthusiastically endorse Jennifer Mak as a candidate for Torrance Unified School District Area D School Board Trustee. I have known Jennifer for over 25 years in my role as a former administrator, educator, and friend, and I have had the privilege of witnessing her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to students and public education. Jennifer has been a champion for student achievement and excellence in education throughout her 38 years of service as an educator and administrator. During that time, she has demonstrated proven leadership and a deep commitment to students, families and educators. She is committed to listening to families, supporting educators, and prioritizing student success. Jennifer is a true believer in the power of public education, and I know she will work tirelessly to ensure that every student in Torrance has the opportunities, resources and support needed to reach their full potential. Here is why I support Jennifer Mak:

-Focus on Students:

Jennifer will put students first, by advocating for academic excellence, expanding opportunities for every learner and ensuring all students are prepared for success beyond the classroom.

-Empowering Educators:

Jennifer believes that investing in teachers and staff is an investment in students. She is committed to supporting educators through meaningful professional development, collaboration, and access to the resources they need to deliver instruction that meets the diverse needs of every learner.

-Family Community Ties:

Jennifer believes that student success begins with strong partnerships among families, schools, and the community. By promoting transparency, trust, and meaningful engagement, she is committed to creating a collaborative environment where every student can thrive.

Finally, Jennifer will advocate for every student’s success and future opportunities, support educators, and bring families and the community together to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities ahead. Please join me in voting for Jennifer Mak as a candidate for Torrance Unified School District Area D School Board Trustee.

“What I admire most about Jennifer is her ability to lead with both expertise and heart.”

Laura Guijarro

Bilingual Educator

I am honored to offer my wholehearted support of Jennifer Mak for the Torrance Unified School District Board of Education. I have had the privilege of knowing Jennifer for more than ten years, both as an educational leader and as a mentor who has generously shared her time, wisdom, and unwavering support with those around her. Throughout the years, I have witnessed firsthand her dedication to public education and her deep commitment to ensuring that all students receive the high-quality education they deserve.

Jennifer is an accomplished educational leader whose career has been defined by improving student outcomes, supporting teachers, and building strong school communities. She brings a rare combination of school-site leadership, district-level expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of what makes schools successful.

As principal of 15th Street Elementary School, Jennifer demonstrated what exceptional leadership looks like in practice. She prioritized high-quality professional development that strengthened teachers' instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics because she understands that investing in educators directly impacts student achievement. Under her leadership, the school saw strong academic growth and improved student outcomes. Jennifer was known for her tireless work ethic, often remaining at school well beyond the end of the workday to support teachers, collaborate with staff, and ensure that every student had the opportunity to succeed.

Jennifer's experience extends far beyond a single school community. Through her work with Achievement Network and as a Community of Schools Administrator within LAUSD, she has partnered with schools across a broad spectrum of achievement levels—from schools working to overcome significant challenges to some of the highest-performing and Blue Ribbon-caliber schools in the district. This experience has given her valuable insight into the policies, instructional practices, and leadership strategies that help schools flourish. She understands that every school has unique needs and that effective leadership requires both accountability and support.

What I admire most about Jennifer is her ability to lead with both expertise and heart. She is a thoughtful listener, a collaborative problem-solver, and a steadfast advocate for students and educators alike. She understands that strong schools are built through meaningful partnerships among teachers, families, administrators, and the community. Her decisions are always guided by what is best for students.

The Torrance Unified School District deserves leaders who understand the realities of today's classrooms and who have a proven track record of helping schools succeed. Jennifer Mak brings the knowledge, integrity, and vision necessary to help guide our district into the future while maintaining the excellence that Torrance families value.

I wholeheartedly endorse Jennifer Mak for the Torrance Unified School District Board of Education. There is no one more dedicated, knowledgeable, or prepared to serve our students, educators, and families. I am confident that Jennifer will continue to lead with the same passion and commitment that have defined her career in education.

“Her proven dedication and leadership is unmatched.”

David L. Lopez

Former Plant Manager of 15th Street School & Parent

I strongly support Jennifer Mak. Her proven dedication and leadership is unmatched. Jennifer has a real passion for academic excellence that is displayed in her stellar track record. She puts students first, supports teachers and staff and is always willing to engage with parents and all members of the community.

“Over the years, Jennifer has always been kind, thoughtful, and the type of person who's happy to help.”

Jackie Ling Jarno

Neighbor

I've known Jennifer for almost 10 years as our neighbor, long before she ever decided to run for school board. I think you learn the most about someone's character in the everyday moments, when they're simply your neighbor, not a candidate. Over the years, Jennifer has always been kind, thoughtful, and the type of person who's happy to help.

As a parent with one child at Riviera Elementary and another at Richardson Middle School, I care a lot about our neighborhood schools and who is helping shape their future. Jennifer brings decades of experience in education, but what gives me the most confidence is knowing the person behind the resume. I trust that she'll always do what's best for our students, families, and schools.

I'm proud to support Jennifer. Along with her years in education, she's also raised three children through Torrance Unified, so she understands what parents care about because she's lived it herself. I know she'll bring that same thoughtfulness and commitment to serving our schools and our community!