Laurette's Bio

     As a 28-year resident of Burbank, I am deeply invested in the success of our schools. My family has proudly attended Burbank schools for generations, including my daughter, niece, nephew, and now my grandson, who have all benefited from the excellent education our district provides.

     I bring 33 years of public education experience to my candidacy. I currently teach 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies in the Montebello Unified School District, where I have spent the last 20 years. My career has also included positions at LAUSD, UCLA’s Seeds University Elementary School, and Glendale Unified, where I served as Title 1 Coordinator. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with students of all abilities, from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and I’ve collaborated closely with fellow educators, administrators, and support staff.

     In addition to my teaching career, I have been an active member of our local school communities. I’ve served on PTA boards at multiple Burbank schools and was honored with the 2017 Honorary Service Award from Burroughs High School. I’ve also held leadership positions in School Site Councils, most recently as president at Eastmont Intermediate for the 2023-2024 school year.

     Education has been a lifelong passion for me. Growing up in South Pasadena, I earned my Associate of Arts from Pasadena City College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts from USC and a Master of Education from Harvard. I believe that public schools are critical in shaping the minds and hearts of our students, helping them grow mentally, emotionally, and socially.

     As a candidate for the Burbank Unified School Board, my focus is on maintaining the high-quality education our district is known for, even in the face of financial challenges. I am not a politician; I’m a dedicated educator, mother, grandparent, and community volunteer. I believe in the power of collaboration and listening to the needs of parents, students, and educators alike.

     My commitment is to ensure that every child in Burbank receives the education they deserve. I am ready to bring my experience, passion, and dedication to the Board of Education to help our schools continue to thrive. 

The BCPTA hosted a "Meet the Candidates" event at the Buena Vista Library, where attendees introduced themselves, asked questions, and heard from Laurette Cano and other candidates about important issues facing Burbank schools.

Laurette Cano, a lifelong advocate for public education, brings decades of experience as an educator and community volunteer to her campaign for Burbank School Board. Endorsed by local leaders and organizations, she is committed to addressing the district's challenges while maintaining the high-quality education Burbank students deserve.

Our district must prioritize responsible and transparent allocation of funds to maximize resources for students and staff. By closely evaluating spending, we can ensure that every dollar goes toward enhancing educational opportunities and maintaining safe, high-quality learning environments.

It's essential that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, whether in college or in their future careers. By expanding college prep and vocational programs, we can ensure all students have pathways to success after graduation.

Early intervention is critical to ensuring that young learners develop the foundational skills they need to thrive throughout their academic careers. We must invest in targeted support systems to identify and assist students who need additional help from the start.

Elementary school administrators play a pivotal role in shaping the early educational experiences of our students. We must provide them with the resources and support they need to foster safe, effective, and inspiring learning environments.

Strong partnerships between the school district and community organizations are key to enriching the educational experience. By collaborating with local businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders, we can secure additional resources and opportunities for our students.

Expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will provide students with practical skills and real-world experience to succeed in the workforce. By increasing access to CTE classes, we can create more opportunities for students to explore career paths and build bright futures.