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CAMPAIGN NEWS
Perez says YES on Measure C!
(08/21/2026) Jesse D. Perez endorses Measure C, a $99 million bond measure for LBUSD. "Measure C is an investment into our schools, students, and the future of Los Banos. This can mean better facilities and more opportunities for students in FFA, STEM, and other CTE programs to succeed. With this in mind, I personally endorse a YES vote on Measure C!" Learn more about Measure C here.
We are Qualified!
(07/14/2026) Jesse D. Perez officially qualified for the November 3, 2026 General Election for the Merced County Board of Education, District 5. It's more than a district, Los Banos Unified is home to 10,910 students and Dos Palos Oro Lomo Unified has 2,228 students, it's a district of students/educators/parents. I understand the importance of this decision and the commitment it will take. I appreciate all the support I have gotten!
Contact Us!
Either by email
jessedominickperez@gmail.com
Education is Liberation
Perez believes that education is a way to provide liberation for students when they graduate and that our county's policies must reflect that.
Election Day REMINDER!
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026
A MESSAGE FROM JESSE
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. As a product of Merced County public schools, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our students. 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. I'm very excited to get started with working with the County Superintendent, other members of the board, and other Merced County Office of Education officials! I'm not trying to present myself as someone who knows everything, but rather someone who is willing to learn in order to better serve my community! I may be young, but I've always been committed to education. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our campaign. — Jesse D. Perez
QUICK FACTS
"I'm new to elected office, not education!"
CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES
1. Support for Agricultural & Career Technical Education
When it comes to agriculture, it not only plays a massive role economically here in the Valley, but also culturally. As trustee, I want to help local FFA chapters with membership drives, showing students that the FFA is for everyone. In addition to agricultural education, we must invest in Career Technical Education. From healthcare to IT to culinary arts to welding, we must understand that students have passions elsewhere and support them beyond high school.
2. Promoting Environmental Education & Further STEM Investments
The Central Valley is bearing the brunt when it comes to climate change. We must educate our students on ways help mitigate climate change through piquing their interest when it comes to the environment! Regarding STEM education, it goes beyond just "Science" or "Technology" or "Engineering" or "Math", but rather various fields that pull from all four.
3. Partnerships with Merced College & UC Merced
As someone who has attended both Merced College and UC Merced, I see the potential it has on Merced County students. Our county has higher education in mind, with two Merced College campuses (Merced & Los Banos) and UC Merced, it's important to show students that education can remain local and affordable. As trustee, I will keep my ears and eyes open on any new opportunities that come from these two insitutions.
4. Opposition to AI in classrooms
My concerns come from 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 partnerships with Big Tech, as we are using our classrooms as their playgrounds! Even as trustee, I will actively compaign against data centers in the Central Valley!
5. Strengthening Public Education, Teachers Unions,
and Collective Bargaining
I believe public education dollars should strengthen our traditional public schools. As trustee, I will ensure further accountability and transparency when it comes to charter schools. Unions are a part of the American tradition, ensuring that workers are paid and treated fairly in a time where companies took advantage. As trustee, I will ensure that the unions have a seat at the table, working with them to ensure that their voice gets heard.
6. Protecting students from ICE
Training educators on how to interact with ICE, promoting
Know Your Rights workshops, and ensuring schools are ICE-free
zones. When ICE shows up, students stay home, it's important
to understand the public safety risk ICE poses in our
communities.
7. Promoting American Grown Produce &
Expanding Farm to School
Many valley students and families live in food deserts with limited access to fresh produce. As trustee, I will actively take a role in talking with local farmers and districts to promote local produce in our schools. It's important to fuel our students with healthy local options that keep farmers farming!
8. Bringing Grants to County Schools
As trustee, I will actively work with the California and U.S. Department of Education to help county school districts identify and secure grant funding.
9. Support Proposition 3 & Proposition 40 (2026)
Proposition 3 would help provide stable funding for California’s schools and community colleges, while Proposition 40 would support essential public services. As your trustee, I will ensure that our parents, students, educators, and schools have the resources they deserve!
10. Promote Teacher Recruitment and Retention
It's no secret, the Central Valley and education in general
has an issue when it comes to teacher retention. As trustee,
I will work to ensure that teachers feel they belong here
in Merced County, I will also want to work with Merced
College and UC Merced to help scout out graduates that may
be interested in teaching.
ENDORSEMENTS
Our campaign is proud to have earned endorsements from across all areas!
Democratic Municipal Officials
Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte
United for Water Justice
Run for Something
Vote for Peace
Alberto Velarde:
Principal and Former Candidate for Merced County Superintendent
Isaac Gudino:
California Democratic Party Regional Director, Region 5
Nichelle Henderson:
Teacher, Former Candidate for California Superintendent,
and LACC Board Trustee
David Tejeda Gallegos:
Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Personnel Commissioner
Eric Robinson:
President of the Mesa College Democrats
Gary Blenner:
Teacher and former Center Joint Unified School District Trustee
RESOURCES
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! Helpful Resources
CONTACT
Email: jessedominickperez@gmail.com Instagram: perezforeducation |
DISTRICT 5
Area 5 serves both Merced and Fresno Counties, with Los Banos Unified and Dos Palos-Oro Lomo Unified School District residing here!
A NEW VISION
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