Imperial County Board of Education
Annette Gonzalez-Buttner
Age 52 Occupation Governing Board Member, Imperial County Board of Education List your previous civic
leadership experience: Board President, Imperial County Board of Education; Chairperson, Imperial County Democratic Central Committee; Youth Services Director, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church; Social Worker, County of Imperial; School Site Councilmember: Blanche Charles Elementary School, William Moreno Junior High School, Calexico High School; ACES Tutor, Blanche Charles Elementary School; Band Booster. What issue will you focus on? Calexico’s students have the lowest academic proficiencies in Imperial County, according to state testing results. We need more County Office resources to address this underperformance. I will continue to advocate for math, English and science student proficiencies and to include arts, music and sports opportunities too. Calexico’s kids need support. Why did you decide to run in your
respective race? Since Calexico’s voters elected me four years ago to represent you on the County Board of Education, I see that many education administrators too often do just the minimum to support Calexico’s children and families. I want Calexico’s kids to become academically proficient. Our Calexico students can become truly collegeand-career-ready. What is your strongest asset? Persistent courage. As Calexico’s elected member on the Imperial County Board of Education, I advocate for meeting transparency and public comments on agenda items. I advocate to upload audio recordings of our meetings, so working families can have access to our governmental decisions. I never will stop fighting for you.
Why should the voters vote for you? I put Calexico first, even when it makes other communities’ representatives uncomfortable. The reality is that our kids need more resources. Our public school district has low test performance. Rather than hide from our needs to improve, we need to demand success and equity and never to succumb to racism.
Cesar R. Rodriguez
Age 47 Occupation Businessman List your previous civic leadership experience:
I have been a director for the Calexico Chamber of Commerce, and I’m currently on the Calexico Planning Commission, a board member on the Workforce Development Board and I’m also on the Imperial Valley Community Foundation Board representing Calexico. Additionally, I’ve sponsored the Accelerated Reading program in Calexico. What issue will you focus on? The county Office of Education has an important role in education. As a hub for K-12 education, ICOE needs to have a good relationship with every school district. Student achievement scores are improving and it will be my priority to ensure they continue to improve. Why did you decide to run in your respective race? As someone who has volunteered and served on with various community organizations, I believe that the best way to impact our community is through our education system. The ICOE board of education has the broadest reach and impact for our community. However, a change is needed. What is your strongest asset? As my strong list of community leaders and educators demonstrates, I am someone who knows how to work with others. Additionally, my years of running a successful business show a track record of accomplishing goals. I will be a strong advocate for Calexico students and families. Why should the voters vote
for you? Calexico has effectively been without representation for the past several years. I’m from Calexico, I live in Calexico and I will work with leaders in Imperial County to improve our schools.