Agriculture is central to the Central Valley’s economy and culture. I will support our FFA/4-H programs, while also advocating for strong Career Technical Education programs (from healthcare and IT to culinary arts and welding). Students should have opportunities to pursue their interests both in and beyond high school.

The Central Valley is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. I will support environmental education that helps students understand local challenges and explore ways to address them, alongside STEM investments that connect science, technology, engineering, and math to real-world fields.

Having attended both Merced College and UC Merced, I see the opportunities they can offer students across our county. With Merced College and UC Merced, we can help students see that higher education can be both local and affordable. I will work to strengthen partnerships and connect students with new opportunities.

Student privacy, the environmental impacts of data centers, and dependence on technology companies are serious concerns. Students should not become a blank check for Big Tech, and our classrooms should not be used as tech companies’ testing grounds. I oppose Big Tech partnerships that put these interests ahead of students, and I will continue speaking out against data centers in the Central Valley!

I believe public education dollars should strengthen our traditional public schools. I will advocate for transparency and accountability in charter schools, and ensure teachers’ unions have a seat at the table. Educators deserve to be heard and treated fairly.

I will support training for educators on how to interact with ICE, promote Know Your Rights workshops, and work to ensure schools remain safe spaces for students and families. When ICE comes, students stay home, we must protect ALL students. ICE has no place in our communities.

Many Valley students and families face limited access to fresh produce. I will work with local farmers and school districts to expand Farm to School programs and bring more locally grown food into our schools. This will both support student health while helping sustain our agricultural communities! I will also work towards improving school water infastructure and access for students in Merced County.

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.

I support Proposition 3 and Proposition 40 because I believe our schools, students, educators, and communities deserve the resources they need. I will always advocate for investments that strengthen public education and essential public services.

The Central Valley faces ongoing challenges recruiting and retaining teachers. I will work to help educators feel supported and welcome in Merced County, while building connections with Merced College and UC Merced to introduce graduates to opportunities in teaching.