Who is Rika Baum?
Rika Baum is a mother of three - two biological children and one child adopted from Thailand - a special education parent, a former preschool teacher, and a proud firefighter's wife. Adopted from Korea as an infant, she brings a lifelong understanding of family, belonging, and advocacy for children to everything she does.
Some of her favorite hobbies are gardening and rockhounding with her children. She is also a diehard Angels fan!
At age 18 Rika Baum became a licensed cosmetologist and at age 19 she got her commercial driver's license where she drove busses in New York City.
Rika Baum is running for school board because she believes every child's life matters, every family deserves to be heard, every teacher deserves support, and every dollar in our schools should be spent openly and wisely.
Quality First
I am committed to ensuring every student has a supportive learning environment and the educational opportunities they need to succeed in the future.
Expert Care
The Alta Loma School District has amazing teachers, service providers, and campus support. I want to ensure every student and their family receives an exceptional educational experience.
Real Results
For children to be lifelong learners, their school district must focus on more than academic achievement.
As Superintendent Sherry Smith stated, it is about helping every student develop the knowledge, character, confidence, and resilience they need to succeed.
My Priorities as Board Trustee are
1. IMPROVE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABBORATION BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES.
-Ensure families are informed early and clearly, not after decisions are already made.
-Expand accessible, plain-language updates through channels families already use.
-Build trust by making it easier for parents to ask questions and make suggestions so they are included in the solutions.
2.INVESTING IN TEACHERS
-Expand professional development opportunities that support teacher growth and retention.
-Listen directly to teachers about where support and training are needed most.
-Treat teacher investment as an investment in student outcomes.
3. FISCAL TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY
-Publish clear, accessible budget summaries the public can actually understand.
-Tie spending decisions to measurable outcomes for student.
-Plan for long-term financial sustainability, not just short-term fixes
My objectives are achievable and I believe together we can accomplish it.
Empower Education Now
I am committed to improving communication with families, supporting our amazing teachers, and ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability. I believe all students should have safe rouhumbly ask for your support and your vote so we can work together to give every student a voice and every family a seat at the table.
Contact Rika Baum
Email: rikabaum@gmail.com
Facebook: ALSD Board Trustee Area 3 Candidate
