Local education unions announce their endorsed SAUSD School Board candidates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2016

Contact: Jason Mills (714) 576-4303

Santa Ana Teachers and School Employees Announce Jointly Endorsed Candidates for School Board Election

Santa Ana, CA — For the first time ever, the Santa Ana Educators Association (SAEA) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 41, are jointly endorsing three Santa Ana community leaders for the Santa Ana School Board.

SAEA President Barbara Pearson declared “SAEA and CSEA are endorsing the same candidates for the three openings on the Santa Ana School Board for the November Election. We came together to support three superb candidates because the Santa Ana School Board needs experienced and knowledgeable individuals who can provide steady leadership to improve educational opportunities for all of our students.”

Eddie Leon, President of CSEA added, “CSEA and SAEA not only serve children and families in Santa Ana; our members also live here and have a deep interest in the quality of schools for our families and neighbors. Each of the endorsed school board candidates has a distinguished history of community leadership. As a group, they bring a wealth of experiences as parents, social workers, and business owners and have extensive expertise in the fields of education, business and human services.”

Dr. Alfonso Alvarez has advocated for children’s health and well-being for over 22 years as a County social worker. He attended local public schools and obtained a doctorate in Education from Argosy University. Dr. Alvarez has been involved in a number of organizations including Veterans First Orange County and SER Jobs for Progress, Inc.

Mark McLoughlin is a community leader and past college Trustee who has a proven, long-standing investment in education. Mark’s commitment to the District is exemplified by his service as chairperson of the successful Measure G Bond election committee and two District Citizen Oversight Committees. Presently, he serves as President of High School Inc., a SAUSD and Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce innovative partnership at Valley High School. Mark also serves his city as a member of the Santa Ana Planning Commission.

Dr. Rigo Rodriguez is a parent of three children enrolled in Santa Ana schools. Since 2006, Dr. Rodriguez has been teaching at California State University, Long Beach. A resident of Santa Ana for over 20 years, Rigo previously served on Santa Ana’s Community Redevelopment and Housing Commission and Planning Commission. He obtained a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from UCI and a doctorate from the University of Southern California.

“As Santa Ana Teachers and school employees,” Pearson concluded, “we urge Santa Ana voters to support this slate of candidates because together they bring proven leadership and a solid array of knowledge and skills that will strengthen our public schools for all students and families.”

SAEA is the exclusive representative of 2,700 teachers and support staff, such as counselors and psychologists, in the Santa Ana Unified School School District.

CSEA Chapter 41 represents over 2,700 classified school employees who provide crucial support to students, such as instructional assistants, library and media techs, food service staff, school maintenance and operations and more.

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