Across California, educators are rising to answer another call to public service – by running for election to school boards this November.

Seeking to bring their knowledge and experience about schools and education to school boards in their home communities, these educators are stepping up to build the schools all students deserve as elected policymakers. We’ll be spotlighting a number of educators running for school board here at the digital home of California Educator as the November Election approaches.

Meet one of these education champions: Elva Lopez-Zepeda, a second-grade teacher and member of Southwest Teachers Association, who is running for Sweetwater Union High School Board.

Why are you running for school board?

I am running because I know that I can make a difference to the youth of the community. My professional and personal experiences provide me with a unique understanding of the workings of a school district. I will bring knowledge to the office that no other candidate will have and be able to provide a unique perspective for decisions made.

What are your top priorities for the school district?

I believe that schools have the important role of shaping our future, but they must have the right tools for the task. I want all students to have access to a high-quality education so that they progress academically and grow socially by ensuring equitable access to educational programs and opportunities, and assure that district directives are aligned to address the students’ needs so that they will be prepared to meet the needs of the future.

To assure that ALL students have access to a high quality education I will work towards:

• Establishing and maintaining a safe and stable learning environment for students and work environment for district employees.
• The retention and recruitment of highly qualified employees: teachers, school administrators, and support staff.
• Most importantly, accountability and transparency for district stakeholders, ensuring that funding is allocated properly so that diverse student populations receive a quality education that prepares them to be active participants of the global society.

Why did you decide that now is the time to serve your community as an elected official?

I know that I can make a difference to the youth of the community. I will be the voice of parents, educators, community members and the students. I will promote policies that will remove obstacles to student growth in order to assure that all students are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. It is time for me to apply all I have experienced and learned in my career.

What would you like to say to your fellow CTA members about running for elected office?

GO FOR IT! Is it easy? No. But as an educator, we know what is best for students, and we need to get out of our comfort zone and work for kids outside the classroom. We have the passion, the knowledge and the drive to get things done. Let’s use it to advocate for students, colleagues and families and bring the needed change to education.

Website: elvalopez-zepeda.com