ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Annie!

I'm excited to announce my candidacy for the Burbank School Board, Area 5.

WHY I'M RUNNING

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

There are some serious challenges currently facing the Burbank Unified School District. Many principals and administrators have left BUSD because they haven't received the support they need. There has been a glaring lack of governance and fiduciary responsibility, resulting in an $11-million dollar accounting error. Test scores are declining year over year, with only 49% of graduating students meeting the threshold for "college and career readiness." Reports and communication tools are dated, with some annual reports having last been posted in 2022. These issues must be addressed proactively and transparently.

My goal is to ensure every student in Burbank has the opportunity to cultivate their minds, explore their passions, and thrive in a supportive and enriching environment. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community's future.

WHERE I COME FROM

I consider myself not only a product of public education but a success story. As the middle child of immigrant parents, the value of education was instilled in me from an early age. My father, a mechanic with a third-grade education, believed wholeheartedly in the American Dream, convinced that his children could achieve anything with the proper foundation.

With this framework for our lives, we moved to Burbank in 1992. I graduated as the valedictorian of my class from LAUSD and am the first generation in my family to attend college. I earned my degree with honors from the University of Southern California and received a full academic scholarship to Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, where I graduated as a Sayer McNeil Scholar.

A THRIVING CAREER

I have been a practicing attorney since 2005, specializing in Labor and Employment law for nearly 20 years, with most of my career dedicated to the public sector. My professional journey has included roles as Senior Staff Attorney – Labor Relations, Director of Labor and Employee Relations, and Chief Negotiator.

Throughout my career, my role has evolved to include oversight of both Human Resources and Risk Management. However, my guiding principle has always remained the same: “Find the Win-Win Solutions!” Every day, I collaborate with five bargaining units, 1,000 employees across 18 worksites, and numerous stakeholders to advance a shared mission and vision for Angelinos.

My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to my community, and I am now ready to leverage this experience to enhance Burbank schools, support Burbank students, and strengthen Burbank families.

JOIN THE JOURNEY

The Burbank community wants what every community wants: a strong academic foundation, safe schools, better budget utilization, more pathways for engagement, and ultimately a better learning environment. These are the five basic tenets for Burbank 5 for 5!

I invite you to join me on this journey to shape the future of education in Burbank. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community where every child receives a quality education, and every voice is heard.

Thank you for your support.

I look forward to serving you as a member of the Burbank Board of Education.

MISSION STATEMENT

Equality Meets Opportunity

I believe in fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive learning environment that equips our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

ANNIE MARKARIAN | Burbank School Board Candidate