About Me
Hello! My name is Jesse Perez, and I am running for the Merced County Board of Education! As a former student, I've experienced our schools firsthand and look forward to using my experiences to shape the future of education in Merced County.
I'm currently a student at Merced College, studying agriculture. My main focuses within agriculture are agroecology (combining agricultural/environmental/social sciences), agrochemistry, agricultural education, and agricultural policy. I was involved in agriculture since high school! During my time at Merced College, I have been Treasurer & Secretary of our LatinX Club and the Vice Chair of the Merced College Democrats!
I’m not a politician; I’m a community member who cares about practical solutions that make a real difference in our schools. From ensuring classrooms are safe and well-equipped to supporting teachers and staff, my goal is to put students first and give them the tools they need to succeed.
— Jesse Perez
Priorities
Protecting students from ICE: Training educators on how to interact with ICE, promoting Know Your Rights workshops, and ensuring schools are ICE-free zones. I personally call for the abolition of ICE, as they are a public safety risk.
Support for Agricultural & Career Technical Education: Not every student wants to attend a university, so schools should reflect that. Expanding programs like FFA and 4-H strengthens our local workforce.
Partnerships with Merced College & UC Merced: Both schools are expanding rapidly. Preparing our students now will help the Central Valley become an academic epicenter.
Environmental Education: Educating future generations about climate change is crucial. The Central Valley faces serious environmental risks affecting health, agriculture, and quality of life. How can we solve this? Educate future generations!
Opposition to AI in classrooms: My concerns include student privacy, environmental impacts from data centers, and over-dependence on tech companies. Students shouldn’t become a blank check for big tech. I oppose Governor Newsom's partnership with Big Tech, we are using our classrooms as their playgrounds!
Expansion of Farm to School programs: Many students live in food deserts with limited access to fresh produce. I aim to work with local farmers to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables into our schools.
Opposition to AB 715: AB 715 only seeks to censor free discussions in classrooms, while censoring students and educators. I will fight to ensure that free speech is allowed in Merced County schools!
Endorsements
| Nichelle Henderson — Los Angeles Community College Board Trustee |
| Eric Robinson — President of the Mesa College Democrats |
| Gary Blenner — former Center Joint Unified School District Trustee |
Know Your Rights
Do not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
Do not answer any questions from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent!
Do not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer!
Contact Me
Want to send an endorsement, want a bumper sticker, or just wanna talk? Email me: jessedominickperez@gmail.com
Resources
- Register to Vote! — https://registertovote.ca.gov
- Merced County Office of Education — https://www.mcoe.org
