FUSD - New FUSD School Members Take Oath of Office

New FUSD School Members Take Oath of Office

Family, friends, and community members filled the John D. Piazza Center on December 8, 2010 as newly elected Board Members Leticia Garcia and Sophia Green, and incumbent Gus Hawthorn, were administered the oath of office.

Leticia Garcia is a long-time resident of Fontana and parent in the Fontana Unified School District. She has been an education advocate in the district for several years and has helped many students and parents in navigating the system to ensure that rights for students are protected. As a former middle school teacher, she understands the importance of secondary instruction and in her role as School Board Member, she plans to make sure that resources are appropriately allocated so that all students can gain the maximum benefits in the classrooms.

Sophia Green is dedicated to preparing all students for the 21st century workforce within the safest learning environment possible. Her other priorities include an agenda for inclusion and diversification at all levels, unrelenting pursuit of systemic school improvement, fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability. Still pursuing her own graduate education, she already holds a B.A. in Computer Engineering and an M.A. in Public Administration. Ms. Green will be an active member of the Fontana school team, one who ensures that every instructional, administrative and organizational decision is data driven and fiscally logical. To accomplish this vision, she intends to collaborate with other Board Members and the entire Fontana community to make sure that every voice is heard in this process, and that every child has the opportunity to graduate prepared to succeed in life beyond high school. Ms. Green strongly encourages every member of the community to share their thoughts and concerns with her as she strives to competently and compassionately serve our youth.

Gus Hawthorn has served on the Board since 1997. He is Director of Engineering for a nearby manufacturing company. His job gives him the insight into ever changing technology and the skills students graduating from our high schools will need to be successful at work or in college. He supports curriculum with a real world connection and assessment programs that measure how effective the district's efforts are in preparing our students for their future. Four years of leading Teen Parenting classes and three children of his own make him keenly aware of the demands on parents raising and educating kids in today's society.

After the swearing-in ceremonies, a brief intermission was taken so that family members and friends could come forward and congratulate the new Board Members. Many well-wishers were on hand to offer handshakes and hugs, and take photos to commemorate the occasion.

When the meeting resumed, the Board held its annual organizational meeting and elected its new officers. BarBara Chavez was elected President of the Board and Leticia Garcia was elected Clerk (this position was officially changed to Vice President by Board action later in the evening).