Race for San Jose Evergreen College Trustee: In a special election on November 7, the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District is set to welcome a new trustee to its board.
Five candidates are vying for the District Area 7 seat, which was vacated after former trustee Omar Torres won the San Jose City Council District 3 seat. The candidates include Diego Barragán, Lisanna Dominguez, Stephen Eckstone, Clay Hale, and Anthony Macias.
This election is significant for a community college district governed by a seven-member board, with around 20,000 students attending San Jose City and Evergreen Valley colleges each semester. The district, located in a region with growing educational needs, requires a dedicated and visionary leader.
Anthony Macias, a law student and San Jose City College alumnus, has a clear mission to address issues like low transfer rates, homelessness, and affordable housing. He aims to revive the Pathway to Law program and provide support services to homeless and low-income students, including free school meals. Macias advocates for student housing options and tuition-free campuses.
Stephen Eckstone, a seasoned professor in journalism and communication studies, brings a wealth of experience in marketing and strategic planning. His expertise in higher education and nonprofits, including image development and qualitative research, could prove invaluable for the district.
Also Read :Rich Tran Return: A Hometown Hero’s Bid for Milpitas Mayor
Diego Barragán, a problem-solving expert from his time as a congressional assistant and legislative director, is dedicated to making college more affordable, expanding career opportunities, and preparing high school students for higher education.
Lisanna Dominguez, with extensive experience in educational nonprofits, prioritizes increasing enrollment, offering diverse career paths for students, and providing college prep classes for smooth transfers to four-year universities.
Clay Hale, an East Side Union High School District teacher, represents the first-generation college student community and advocates for improving transfer and graduation rates, establishing valuable community partnerships, and increasing campus resources for mental health support and on-campus housing solutions.
The fate of District Area 7’s representation in the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District is in the hands of the voters. The candidates’ diverse backgrounds and priorities make this election a crucial moment for the district’s future. As the election unfolds, the district’s educational landscape will likely see new developments and improvements.