Santa Cruz, Monterey County, CA June 6, 2006 Election
Smart Voter

Biography

By Rebecca J. Garcia

Candidate for County Superintendent of Schools; County of Santa Cruz

This information is provided by the candidate
I reached the American Dream
At the age of six I decided I wanted to be a teacher. However, being the daughter of farm workers, being an English Learner, and being extremely poor I faced many challenges and barriers to accessing higher education. I, instead became a hairdresser, but never lost my dream of becoming a teacher. Finally, at the age of 35 I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a teaching credential and ten years later I received a Masters and an administrative credential.

I began my educational career as a parent volunteer, a classroom aide, a bilingual teacher, a vice-principle, a principal in the PVUSD and a supervisor of student teachers at UCSC. I has been a teacher and/or administrator in preschool, K-12, and adult education. Most recently, I have been an administrator at the 5th largest County Office of Education in California, Santa Clara COE. My breadth and depth of educational experiences will be of great value as Superintendent of Schools. I will be a champion for:

  • Excellence in Education
  • Advocacy and Leadership
  • Student Programs
  • Service to Districts
  • Fiscal Solvency
  • COE Staff and Operations

Leadership is a fundamental skill for a successful superintendent. I have served on Boards and committees in Santa Cruz County and at the state and national level. I have been a member of the Cabrillo College Governing Board for 14 years. I am currently serving on the California Community College Trustees Board of Directors and was recently elected 1st Vice-Chair of this Board. I have also been appointed to serve on the national Association of Community College Trustees Nomination Committee. In recognition of my service to my profession and community I has received numerous awards including the Charley Parkhurst Award, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Woman of the Year Award, the Region 10 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Administrator of the Year Award, the California 28th Assembly District Woman of the Year Award, and the Community College Puente Project Lifetime Achievement Award.

I have a son who is a clinical psychologist and a daughter who has given me three wonderful grandchildren. My children and grandchildren are the joy of my life.

I have the skills and knowledge to be a successful Superintendent of Schools. My professional, personal, and leadership experiences have provided me with the necessary vision, passion, and courage to lead the Santa Cruz County Office of Education to a new level of excellence. On June 6, 2006 please vote for me, Rebecca J. García.

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ca/scz Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 13, 2006 14:26
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