Educational Equality Warriors Pacheco Jr: In a proactive move, two candidates, Jorge Pacheco Jr. and Tomara Hall, have thrown their hats into the ring for the upcoming Santa Clara County Board of Education election. Both aiming to succeed Trustee Joseph Di Salvo in Area 4, which encompasses the majority of San Jose Unified and parts of Oak Grove and East Side Union High school districts, their early announcements signal a competitive race.
Joseph Di Salvo, retiring after a commendable 16-year tenure, expressed surprise at the early candidacy declarations, foreseeing a competitive battle ahead. As a lifelong educator, Di Salvo dedicated himself to advocating for vulnerable children, working in various educational capacities, from juvenile hall to community schools, and championing equity in education.
One of the contenders, Jorge Pacheco Jr., currently a teacher and Oak Grove School District board member, brings a unique perspective as an indigenous member of the LGBTQ+ community. Endorsed by Di Salvo, Pacheco Jr. emphasizes the need for local districts, teachers, and vulnerable students to have a voice in educational decisions. Drawing from his own experiences as an English learner and special education student, he aims to challenge the slow pace of change and provide representation for those who often find themselves left out of educational discussions.
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Tomara Hall, a middle school special education teacher and member of the San Jose Unified Equity Coalition, has also thrown her hat into the ring. An Afro-Latina who overcame poverty through academics and athletics, Hall is passionate about advocating for students with disabilities. Her journey from the Central Valley to becoming a special education teacher through Teach for America underscores her commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to transform their lives through education. As part of the San Jose Unified Equity Coalition, she actively fights for additional funding in public schools to meet the diverse needs of students.
Both candidates bring distinct backgrounds and a shared commitment to educational equity and inclusivity. As the election unfolds, Pacheco Jr. and Hall aim to be trailblazers for change, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation on school boards to create a more inclusive and equitable educational system.