Pat Ruby, new New Haven Unified board member, discusses teaching roots and learning the budget

Pat Ruby, a recently elected member of the New Haven Unified school board, said Thursday she is "still settling in" after two months on the board and is focusing on learning how the district’s budget works and where funding comes from.

Ruby spoke in a recorded interview hosted by Superintendent John Thompson. A longtime teacher and school administrator in the district, she described a career that moved from classroom work in intermediate grades through assistant principal roles at both elementary and secondary schools. "My favorite was when we had Triads ... that was the funnest time I've had in this District," she said, recalling a period of class-size reduction at a school she named as particularly formative.

Ruby said her mother inspired her to become a teacher: her mother had been a teacher in the Philippines but "wasn't allowed to teach in the United States" after immigrating, which influenced Ruby's decision to enter education. She also described growing up locally, remembering orchards and early neighborhood life near what is now the New Park Mall area.

On running for the board, Ruby said community members and local unions encouraged her to run; she called herself an "accidental board member" and said she was surprised to win. She described campaign challenges including fundraising and public outreach, and said the most difficult part of serving so far has been "getting an understanding of ... the budget and how to balance it all—the needs within the district, where our funds actually come from. That's been an eye opener."

Ruby said the best part of serving has been reconnecting with former students and families at extracurricular events and seeing alumni progress through the district. She offered direct advice to families and students: "keep working," be patient and supportive, and "trust your teachers—they really know what they're doing."

The recorded conversation also included a rapid-fire personal segment in which Ruby named coffee, seafood and a kebab shop near Safeway among favorites and said she listens to R&B and sometimes Mozart in the morning. She highlighted local outdoor spots including Alam Creek and Coyote Hills as great places for families.

The interview did not include any formal board actions, votes or policy decisions. Ruby said she is reviewing training options and courses to improve her work on the board; no specific budget figures or timelines were provided.