Schools
Meet GUSD's Newly-Elected Board Member
Smaller class sizes, greater parental involvement and student safety are priorities for Armina Gharpetian.
The Glendale Unified School District sworn in its newest member Monday night, a woman who was more than ready to give back to a community that has given her so much.
Dr. Armina Gharpetian was sworn in to her first political office and she feels that this was an ideal time to serve the school community and the area in general.
"I'm a parent of three kids and I've been involved in the school system for many years," Gharpetian said, adding that bringing in the perspective of another parent was a needed addition.
"I thought that the parent representation was lacking a little bit. I think bringing in another parent who has kids in the school system will bring a different vision, different perspectives to the board," Gharpetian said.
Married for 19 years, Gharpetian has three children in the Glendale Unified School District, one starting high school and two in elementary school.
Quality of education is a high-priority for Gharpetian, in particular, working on smaller class sizes is a tentpole of her platform for change.
Gharpetian also wants to help increase parental involvement in school activities. Student safety is also a priority for the new board member, specifically her concerns for safety with morning traffic when parents are dropping their kids off at school.
A long-time resident of Glendale, Gharpetian keeps herself active in the community. She served on the school site council at Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School as a PTA member. She also volunteered for Glendale Healthy Kids.
Balancing her practice with family life and now her new role in the district as board member will be a test. Her family, though, is right behind her.
"I have great family support. If I didn't have this kind of support from my family, I probably would not have done it. I have a wonderful husband who's behind me every step of the way," Gharpetian said.
A graduate of Glendale Community College, Gharpetian received her Bachelor of Science from UCLA and is a 1997 graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. She has a part-time practice in Glendale and specializes in administering the Invisalign system.
"I'm seriously ready to give back. That's the most rewarding thing that I have undertaken. The city of Glendale has been great to me," Gharpetian said.
