Published in the October 10 – 23, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Angelica Diaz

I am a lifelong resident of Morgan Hill, raised by my mother and grandpa. My family has lived here for more than 40 years, my husband and I are proudly raising our children here, and I am committed to our community. My son attends Barrett, my sister attends Sobrato and I have more than a dozen relatives in MHUSD schools.

I am running because I want to take an active role in fostering educational equity and excellence where students are safe, healthy and thriving. I want to ensure every child has the same opportunity to learn and grow — reaching their highest potential. Just as importantly, parents and educators should have the resources they need to fulfill those responsibilities.

I am a product of MHUSD. As an English language learner and having had no access to preschool, I understand the importance of investing in education. Having had access to programs and caring teachers whom mentored and guided me to succeed, I feel I reached my full potential. After graduating Live Oak in ‘02, I graduated from De Anza in PUENTE, I earned a bachelor’s in health science and a master of public health from SJSU.

Education and health are inextricably linked. I am passionate about achieving health equity through education.  I worked with a neighborhood-based agency to close the achievement gap for first generation students; I have led after school programs and back-to-school nights; college days and science fair workshops; I have partnered with elected officials on health fairs; and I have served as a mentor for students. In addition to serving as a program manager, I am committed to volunteering with Leadership Morgan Hill and the Learning and Loving Education Center.

If elected, I will work toward prioritizing resources for teaching and learning by setting a road map with strong strategies in parent engagement, teacher retention and recruitment, and student achievement with a focus on eliminating the achievement gap and advancing student performance. It would be an honor to represent you.