Please vote for me, Maria Cruz, PhD, Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees, Area E

Dear community,

I hope you vote for me on November 5, 2024. I am a first-generation descendant of the Wixáritari (Huichol Indigenous Mexican people) and was born in Northern California. I am the first in my family to graduate from college. In 2004, I graduated from UC Berkeley with an English major. In 2007, I received my Master's degree in Social Cultural Anthropology from the University of Texas Austin. In 2013, I received my Ph.D. from the same department, and as a doctoral student, I was awarded the National Science Foundation Award. Currently, I teach Indigenous and Mexican American Oral History/Tradition and Testimonio in the Chicana/o Studies (CCS) department at San Jose State University, CA. Additionally, I direct the Aspire/McNair Scholars (TRIO) Programs, which support first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, helping them with retention and graduation, and developing undergraduate research skills to pursue Ph.D. programs nationwide. In addition to being an educator, I am also a mother to a freshman in high school at Menlo Atherton High School.

The reason I am running for the Sequoia Union High School School Board of Trustees is to continue to address the following issues:

Safety: I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment in our schools, with transparency and accountability. I aim to provide information to students, parents, teachers, and staff about the board's efforts to support a fair school climate, and strong academics, in a safe environment.

Detracking: It is crucial to ensure that all students have access to AP classes and receive the necessary support. Integrating students at all levels will establish a strong foundation for academic progress. This approach enables all students to progress into AP classes if they and their families choose to. Most universities take a holistic approach to accepting college candidates In college or graduate school, and most classes start at a general level to ensure that everyone can understand the material. If students are advanced and have taken AP courses, they might enter college as sophomores depending on the college, and start at that academic level. Colleges look at AP courses, extracurricular activities, community service, adversities they may have overcome, and GPA, among many other factors. Integrating students at all levels of learning helps them make connections between concepts and experiences, which can help them apply their knowledge and skills to new challenges. Students also learn how to collaborate, which is a valuable skill set in college and their future careers.

AP classes have not been eliminated, and in fact, Menlo Atherton High School specifically has over 25 AP classes available for students to choose from. From my knowledge, freshmen still have the opportunity to choose electives, striking a balance between different academic levels. Separating students based on academic skills is not reflective of the real world, and students benefit from learning together with peers who have different academic abilities. As a board member, I am eager to engage in further discussions with parents, teachers, and students to better understand their experiences. This will enable us to work together towards making our school district one of the best in the greater Bay Area.

Ethnic Studies: I am a strong supporter of Ethnic Studies because much of my current knowledge and understanding stems from learning about Chicana/o Studies and my Indigenous ancestry. Many individuals have fought to establish a space for critical thought and conversations and to have their herstory/history read about and shared. I am excited that Ethnic Studies is now being taught in high schools, as I did not have that opportunity during my K-12 education. It is crucial for all students to learn about their history and the history of their ancestors, as well as others, as it promotes cultural awareness and critical thinking for all.

Fiscal responsibility: With an operating budget of about $230 million to support the entire community, I am committed to maintaining transparency and being accountable for every dollar spent for the community. Drawing on my extensive educational background, particularly as a first-generation woman of color, I aim to promote higher education and ensure equal access for all. Our students must have diverse opportunities for their future careers and endeavors. Without higher education, research shows that it is much more difficult for pay grades to increase and to obtain generational wealth. I am passionate about supporting first-generation students and all students to help them understand the importance of education. That's why I'm interested in joining the SUHD Board of Trustees. I want to work with the Board on strategic planning to improve and increase services for students with high needs as well as for all students.

Teacher pay: I strongly believe that teachers, professors, and educators deserve higher pay. They play a crucial role in shaping our children's future and take on a wide range of responsibilities. In addition to teaching, they spend time preparing lessons, grading assignments, and inspiring the next generation. They also support students in making career choices and serve on various committees. Many teachers use their own money to ensure that students have the resources they need. It's disheartening that in Silicon Valley, most teachers cannot afford to purchase a house on their current salaries. To retain our best-dedicated educators, it's vital to provide them with fair pay raises and help them achieve a living wage. As a board member, I also want to support Teachers and the instructional material that best meets the needs of our students.