New Group 'Glendora Forward' Mobilizes to Protect Public Schools

GLENDORA, Calif. (May 5, 2022) – Over the last few years, school boards across the nation have become ground zero for hotly contested issues regarding Covid-19 mandates and a growing conservative agenda aimed at banning words and curriculum that support diversity and the teaching of a complete American history.

A local Glendora group aligned with this agenda has been protesting at school board meetings, erecting signs to recall board members, and circulating petitions demanding that the district defy state mandates on face masks and the implementation of ethnic studies into the curriculum.

Amid this tension, Helen Glaze, founder and VP of the political action committee Glendora Forward, grew concerned as she saw how the national political climate was affecting the local environment in Glendora.

“Relationships with long-time friends changed as we all tried to navigate Trumpism, Covid, and conversations about race,” Glaze said. “People in our community started parroting many talking points that were playing out in national politics: demonizing the ‘other’ perspective, attacking the media, and weaponizing fear. The city council and school board meetings began to grow more and more contentious, and the more moderate, pragmatic, and progressive voices seemed to be missing from the conversation.”

Glaze and a group of community members sprang into action to form Glendora Forward, which was legally established as a PAC in August 2021. The group’s mission is to foster an equitable and inclusive Glendora through education, advocacy, and community building.

“Our immediate goal is to support candidates for the three open seats in November’s school board elections. Ensuring the right candidates are elected is imperative to creating an equitable and inclusive school district that adequately represents all our students,” said Glendora Forward President Jennifer King. “We are thrilled to officially endorse incumbent Zondra Borg. She has helped lead GUSD during a series of unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic, and her experience as an educator and her commitment to the students of Glendora and the community at large, is exactly what we need.”

Borg, who was first elected to the GUSD school board in 2017, announced her intent to run for reelection during a Glendora Forward community mixer held on April 30.

“I have been privileged to be part of a school board that has insisted on movement towards greater student achievement, movement towards the 21st century classroom environment, improving community engagement, and fiscal responsibility. It’s my desire to continue the work towards successful post-secondary futures for every child, beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school. This means that all students in GUSD need to feel safe, accepted, and included in the school community while pursuing their education,” said Borg.

She added: “My 40 years of experience as a former teacher and administrator has provided me with tools and knowledge that allow me to see the big picture for GUSD and its continued momentum toward greater successes for all students.”

Borg has been a Glendora resident since 1974. Her three adult children all attended GUSD schools, and her grandchildren currently attend GUSD, and participate in Glendora youth athletics.

Over 100 community members attended the community event, including Karen Davis (mayor) and L.A. County Superior Judge candidate Thomas Allison, who described his vision as a judge after Borg announced her decision to run for re-election. Allison will be on the ballot for the L.A. County primary elections this June.

For more information about Glendora Forward, visit the website or email them at [email protected]