Published in the September 28 – October 11, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life

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Angelica Diaz

By Angelica Diaz

I have a lifelong history in Morgan Hill, growing up with a large segment of my family in town. My family has lived in our community for more than 40 years. My uncle, Juan Diaz, worked for the Morgan Hill Unified School District as a custodian for about 10 years.

I attended P.A Walsh, El Toro, Martin Murphy and Live Oak. I had positive experiences in our district, influenced and inspired by caring teachers who mentored and guided me to succeed in school. Elementary school had the biggest impact on my life as a GATE student and recipient of the President’s Award and later a scholarship from Mrs. Jewel Knofler.
After graduating high school in 2002, I received a master of public health degree with a focus in community health education from San Jose State University. I am a graduate of Leadership Morgan Hill, a trustee with the Learning and Loving Education Center’s board, and a director with Community Health Partnership.

With my husband, I have two beautiful children, a 4-month old and 2-year-old. My sister, Yesenia, is currently enrolled at Britton Middle School.

I am running for school board because I want to take an active role in fostering educational equity and excellence in our district. I want to ensure every child has an equal opportunity to learn, grow and thrive — reaching their highest potential. Just as importantly, I want to ensure parents and educators have the resources they need to fulfill what is among the utmost responsibilities in any society: to raise the next generation of youth to become productive citizens.

If elected, I will work with our board to set a vision and roadmap for the district with a steadfast commitment to fulfilling our responsibility to Morgan Hill families who have entrusted us with the future of their children. I believe in building a truly equitable and quality education system — accessible to all and serving the best interests of students, parents, educators, administrators and staff. I’m excited to “roll up my sleeves” to serve with full accountability, fiscal responsibility, resourcefulness and a creative mindset to tackle today’s pressing educational priorities as we shape a bright future for Morgan Hill children and families.

It would be an honor to represent you on the MHUSD board. I look forward to giving back to a school system that has been pivotal to my own success growing up in Morgan Hill.