Get to Know Marla Matime, Candidate for RUSD Area 4

Get to Know Marla Matime

I am a wife and mother of three, a small business owner, and a nonprofit leader whose commitment is to build strong, supportive communities around our schools. I have also volunteered in various functions at my church and within our community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and service. As a small media company owner, I understand the importance of clear communication and transparency. My work with elected officials throughout California and across all levels of government has given me valuable insight into how policies can impact our education system.

What do you love most about Riverside?

What I love most about Riverside is the hometown feel but with big city dreams. I live in a family-oriented community where my children are thriving. My office is located downtown, which is my absolute favorite area of the city (aside from the beautiful Wood Streets and Canyon Crest). I love the charm and the history of the infrastructure and architecture, and I can't forget about the food! We have some of the best eateries in Southern California, in my opinion, that source local foods, and the owners and employees feel like family.

How do you define the role you’re seeking as a School Board member?

As a school board member, my primary role would be to provide leadership and oversight in the management and operation of public schools within the district. I aim to provide support and expertise in policy development, budgetary issues and solutions, advocate for quality educational programs and resources, accountability, transparency, and be the conduit between the community that I represent and my obligation as a trustee for the district.

What is the District currently doing well?

I believe that the district is doing the best compared to other districts that are surrounding when it comes to JEDI-B initiatives and demonstrating. There are isolated incidents that have happened in my immediate experience, and once the district was made aware of these issues, they took the necessary steps to rectify said issues. There are improvements that can be made, as with any organization, and I hope to be an integral part in helping to keep the positive progress moving forward for our community.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities as a School Board member?

My top three priorities are the following:

Empower school leaders, that includes our teachers, and administrators to embrace diverse learning curriculum, equitable opportunities, and inclusive practices that allow for students and teachers to have a sense of belonging.
Protect programs that support student well-being and ensure every student has access to mental health support and a safe learning environment.
Invest in early childhood education, technology, and financial readiness for our graduating students.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would strengthen your effectiveness as a School Board member?

The skills, experience, and involvement that I have acquired by leading the African American Caucus for the League of California Cities, the Black Elected Officials of California (BEO), serving as a board member for the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) for the past 5 years, gives me the competitive edge necessary to make critical decisions based on factual information, compassionate care with the trust of my community, and a collaborative approach to working alongside my colleagues to come to agreements that are in the best interest of the community. I have had the privilege of starting a parent-led organization, the African American Parent Advisory Committee (AAPAC), at Lake Mathews Elementary, and have been involved in the English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) and the Lake Mathews Elementary PTA. I am deeply committed to our students and fellow parents.

I have extensive experience in team building and management and have been successful in building and overseeing a communications team that delivers weekly news and information through video content, interviews, short docs, and social media engagement. Having a holistic approach empowers me to provide creative and meaningful solutions to any given issue that may arise while being adaptable and reasonable in my decision making.