ORCUTT PIONEER
Santa Maria High School District, trustee area 4
Judy Frost
Incumbent
I am running for re-election to the Santa Barbara County School Board representing Trustee Area 5, which covers most of the 93455 zip code.
Improving the facilities for the SB County Department of Education is one of the goals I would prioritize. This would begin with the staff providing an evaluation of the quantity - and quality - of current facilities. The board would then be in a position to work with staff on a plan to improve facilities that are in need of work in order to bring them up to current standards. Space is very limited for our early childhood care and special education programs. Working to find appropriate space that meet state requirements is an ongoing challenge which needs our attention.
One of my priority interests in continuing to serve as a trustee is the fiscal accountability in the management of public funds. This is a primary responsibility for trustees and one I take very seriously. My education includes a BS in Accounting and an MBA in Management. With my practical experience in business and industry, my education and my work in non-profit agencies and foundations, I have the tools needed to fulfill this responsibility. I am committed to ensuring the priorities of our students and families remain paramount in my
Griselda Ruiz
Business Owner/Mom
School performance across Area 5 differs. Orcutt schools rank at or above the state average yet some northern Area 5 schools rank below average. This reflects a disconnect between schools. The Board's job is to support student success across the county for the betterment of all schools and students. I will focus on bridging the educational gap by improving communication between all districts to ensure all use common practices and policies that work.
The County Board of Education is responsible for adopting appropriate budgets, to review inter-district transfers, to decide on charter school application and to hear expulsion appeals. In most cases, expulsion hearings are for students where the disconnect between school and family is the widest. I want to help implement programs to narrow that disconnect and keep students in the classroom.
After receiving a business degree, I spent 9 years as area manager for a Southern California firm. For the past 13 years I’ve been managing an investment company. These roles require analyzing issues and making policy and fiscal decisions. I’ve also been a mentor to real estate students.
I attended District 5 schools, as are my children, so I am vested in the success of these schools. Every student deserves to learn, grow, and feel safe in our schools and I know how schools shape lives and impact their future. The performance disparity within our Area is unacceptable. If elected, correcting this, being transparent and using public resources responsibly will be my top priority.