Come meet the Santa Ana Unified School District candidates!
Time: Thursday, October 6th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Latino Health Access (450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana)
Learn how they will:
– Invest in youth
– Use local control and accountability plan (LCAP) funds
– Improve school climate
– Support restorative justice
This forum is sponsored by Voice of OC, Latino Health Access, Santa Ana Boys and Men of Color, RAIZ, Youth Empowerment Network, and LGBT Center Orange County.
CANDIDATES:
CECILIA “CECI” IGLESIAS AGE: 43
Governing Board Member, Santa Ana Unified School District
I immigrated to Santa Ana three decades ago. I’m a proud parent and product of Santa Ana schools, Santa Ana College and Cal State University-Fullerton. A Quality Education is the greatest equalizer to achieve the American Dream, one I support for each Santa Ana student.
As School Board Member, I champion programs which benefit students directly. For example Footsteps2Brilliance, provides dynamic educational tools for K-3rd grade students to accelerate early learning and literacy. The Student Ambassador initiative provides crucial life skills for our high school students. Enthusiastically, I’ve visited each SAUSD school campus, and met with hundreds of teachers, parents and students.
Powerful moneyed interests control our public school Budget. Therefore my top priorities are always students and parents. 100% of my votes benefit students.
Vote for Ceci to support All students with:
After-School Tutoring, Arts, Music and Sports programs Quality college prep/vocational programs
Parent Engagement, Enrichment Programs and community involvement
I am your voice for equality and quality in education, student safety in our neighborhoods and in every classroom. I ask for your vote so I can continue to Put Students First.
Join Parents, teachers, students, community leaders who support Ceci Iglesias for Santa Ana Unified School Board. For more information, visit www.ceciliaiglesias.com.
RIGO RODRIGUEZ AGE: 47
Teacher/Parent
As a teacher and parent advocate, I want safe and excellent schools for all students in Santa Ana.
I have three young children in a public Santa Ana school and I actively lead my school site council to ensure parents have a strong voice in school decisions.
I am a professor at California State University, Long Beach, where I teach courses on local government policy, co-direct a $2.5 million- dollar project to propel more students into graduate school, and teach a community leadership course that trains parents on how to advocate for their children, families, and neighborhoods.
As your School Board member, I will advance five goals to make students career-and-college ready: (1) boost early literacy rates by adding more preschools in our neighborhoods and schools; (2) strengthen school safety because students learn best in safe and welcoming environments; (3) improve health and fitness through more physical activity, nutritious food, and health education; (4) prioritize rigorous courses that are relevant to students’ lives; and (5) expand school choices—middle and high school students deserve greater academic, career, and sports options.
Vote for me, Dr. Rigo Rodriguez for Safe and Excellent Schools. For more information, visit www.Rigo4SchoolBoard.com or call me at (949) 478-4162.
ALFONSO ALVAREZ
Supervising Social Worker
Dr. Alfonso Alvarez was born and raised in the City of Santa Ana. He attended local public schools. A first generation high school graduate, he obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Chapman University and an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. After serving in the National Guard, Dr. Alvarez received an honorable discharge.
Dr. Alvarez has twenty-two years of experience as a child advocate for disadvantaged children. He has volunteered in the City of Santa Ana, specifically in gang prevention and intervention. Dr. Alvarez teaches part time for Saddleback College. He also mentors high school and college students.
Dr. Alvarez has served on the Board of Directors for Veterans First, the Foundation for Survivors of Human Trafficking, SER Jobs for Progress, Inc., and the American GI Forum. These organizations are based in Santa Ana.
Dr. Alvarez’s top priority is to ensure that our children graduate with the skills necessary to succeed. A quality education is the most valuable tool a child can have and Dr. Alvarez knows the importance of a safe learning environment. That’s why he’s supported by our Santa Ana teachers and school employees. Dr. Alvarez is committed to fulfilling Santa Ana’s motto of making education first.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alfonso Alvarez
ANGIE CANO
Santa Ana Businesswoman/Economist
I’m an Orange County native raised by immigrant parents. Like many students, I felt the frustration of being an English-as-Second- Language learner. However, my parents’ commitment, Santa Ana teacher support and my own determination and conviction gave me the opportunity to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science and Spanish Literature from UC Irvine. My personal story moves me to push for all Santa Ana parents and students to overcome every obstacle which stands in the way of academic success.
I’m a committed community advocate, serve as President of Windsor Village Neighborhood Association, and believe now is the time to implement a New Student Vision. As SAUSD Board Member, I’ll raise the bar to increase the number of students who graduate from four-year colleges.
My priorities include:
Emphasize college-prep and vocational curriculums to give our students the best possible head-start on good careers.
Offer quality after-school tutoring for struggling students. Increase public safety resources throughout our schools.
Provide tomorrow’s innovative technology and programs to enrich each student’s academic experience today.
SAUSD Board members must be community-centered and work together to increase academic standards for all Santa Ana students.
For more information on Angie Cano for Santa Ana School Board, visit www.votecano.com
BEATRIZ “BEA” MENDOZA AGE: 40
Congressional Liaison/Parent
I am a product of Santa Ana schools. I attended Madison Elementary, Lathrop Intermediate, and Century High School. I deferred my admission to UCI because I had a child at the age of 19. Years later, I continued my education at Orange Coast College and graduated from UCLA-being the first person in my family to graduate.
I have three children ages 21, 9 and 5 and my children are enrolled at Heroes Elementary. I have been involved with PTA’s and little leagues for over 15 years and have always taken on leadership roles. I am also a Planning Commissioner for the City of Santa Ana.
I am extremely resourceful and experienced. I have worked for the State Legislature, Census Bureau, Delhi Community Center and the United States Congress. I will work with elected officials to ensure our District obtains the funds and support needed in order for all students to achieve the highest educational attainment. I will create and support programs in: early intervention, early college, after school day care, an alumni/ambassador internship program. I will create and support rigorous science, technology, language, math, art and music programs and reading initiatives.
Endorsements: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez; John Palacio, President and Valerie Amezcua, Member, Santa Ana Unified School District Board; Santa Ana Councilmembers Sal Tinajero, Michele Martinez, Angelica Amezcua, etc.
MARK MCLOUGHLIN
Education Business Advisor
Join the Teachers and Parents of our Santa Ana Schools: Vote Mark McLoughlin for School Board.
I will endeavor to earn and retain your trust everyday.
As a past college Trustee, I have a proven, long-standing investment in education.
My experience and knowledge provide steady leadership. The School Board appointed me as a Commissioner to the District Citizen Oversight Committees charged with protecting taxpayer’s dollars.
I will fight to ensure all students have a top quality education, graduate the best-educated workforce, build strong career technical programs and improve college readiness.
I share your concerns for safe schools and better job training.
As President of High School Inc. Academies, a partnership with Santa Ana Unified School District and Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, we have increased graduation and decreased dropout rates.
Asked to serve on the SAUSD Budget Reallocation Committee, we reduced $90 Million without impact to the students, teachers or classrooms while improving educational opportunities for all.
As a business executive with 30 years experience and a Masters Degree in Business Management, I serve on the City Planning Commission, Economic Workforce Development Council and Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce.
Strong schools build great communities. I respectfully ask for your vote. www.markmcloughlin.info
BRUCE THOMAS BAUER
Attorney/City of Santa Ana Commissioner
I am a City of Santa Ana small business owner/attorney and long- time member of the Santa Ana Planning Commission (Vice-Chair.) I have a history of service for the benefit of youth in Santa Ana (V.I.P., Santa Ana P.A.A.L., G.R.I.P., S.A.A.S., open space and trails, etc.)
Growing up, I had 11 siblings and both parents worked. As a working family we struggled. I’m a proud father of four: a college freshman, pre-med student, U.S.C. professor and cinematographer. While we worked full-time, we instilled in them that, “Education is the path to their success!” I know what working families need.
My platform:
Excellence!
Prepare students for today’s workforce – develop vocational and technology training.
After-school and weekend tutorial sessions.
Summer school for students with failing grades or limited English skills.
More nutritious meals – healthy bodies, healthy minds.
Expand successful Middle College High School model – students obtain a two-year college degree in high school.
Engagement!
Empower parents – parental choices and local control.
Reduce dropout rate. In-home intervention visits with parents of at- risk youth.
Safety!
Safe schools are our foundation.
Reintroduce sports at middle schools to engage students at cross- roads.
Support restorative practices (suspensions down by 58%.) Endorsements: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez; Councilmember, Michele Martinez; John Palacio, President and Valerie Amezcua, Member, Santa Ana Unified School District Board, Councilmembers Angelica Amezcua/Sal Tinajero, etc. www.bauer4sausd.com
Source: Orange County Registrar of Voters Candidate Filing log