Across California, members of the CTA Family 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 and CTA staff running for school board here at the digital home of California Educator as the November Election approaches.

Meet one of these education champions: Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, CTA field staff and former bilingual educator, who is running for re-election to the West Contra Costa Unified School Board.

Why are you running for re-election?

I am a public-school teacher and union leader who is passionate about advocating for kids, and would be humbled and privileged to be able to continue to do so. I have spent many years learning, listening, and working in our public schools. I know first-hand that we must increase academic achievement for all students where accessibility and inadequate resources pose more equity challenges than ever. I am a first-generation American, California public school graduate, raised in a hardworking immigrant union family, a bilingual teacher and married to a teacher. All these experiences have given me a personal view of the problems with our system, especially how we invest in our African American students and English Language Learners. I will continue to fight to provide the tools, resources, and funding needed for all students to succeed.

What are your top priorities for the school district?

I have a lot of priorities but the major three that I continue to advocate for are:

• The recruitment and retention of quality educators and staff. This includes higher wages, supports and changing the culture of our schools. This year alone we had hundreds of empty spots in our schools. The best resource we can give our students are quality teachers.
• My second priority is resources for our African American Students and English Language Learners. Unfortunately, both groups are our lowest-performing students in both math and reading. We’ve known this for a long time and we have to ensure our finite resources are focused for them with an equity lens. This also includes the increase of arts and music, building community schools in our highest need areas, and culturally relevant curriculum and books.
• Ensuring that all of our students are safe and that we have inclusivity in our decisions. What this means to me is that we’re opening up every opportunity for all our students to succeed and have a pathway to college or career by the time they’re in high school.

What does it mean to you to support educators in your job and as a school board member?

Supporting our educators is supporting our students and schools. Without the retention and support of our educators, our schools cannot thrive. We must give them the tools they need and deserve to be able to truly educate, support and nurture every student that they serve.

Website: demetriogonzalezhoy.com

Facebook: Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, School Board Trustee West Contra Costa Area 4