Candidate for
Board Member; San Leandro Unified School District; Area 1

Hermy Almonte was born and raised in Cabuyao, Philippines, a small town 45 kilometers south of Manila. In 1980, he graduated from the Philippine Merchant Marine College with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation.

Career

In the 1980s, Hermy worked in the container shipping industry, sailing on cargo ships that crossed the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. He traveled to North and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia, gaining a first hand appreciation of the diversity of the world's cultures, races and religions.

In 1998, Hermy married Maria Venus Herce Almonte and joined her in the United States. Since 1990, Hermy has worked in field of affordable housing. His current employer is one of the Bay Area's largest largest non-profit developers of affordable housing.

Hermy manages two properties with over 550 residents, which persons of all social, ethnic and racial backgrounds, formerly homeless persons, physically and mentally challenged individuals, single mothers and youth.

In addition to overseeing the day to day operations, Hermy is responsible for preparing and monitoring the facilities' annual budgets, supervising on-site employees, maintaining a safe and secure environment and ensuring that all residents receive the services related to everyday household needs, rental assistance, and adult education. Hermy's leadership and people skills have been tested many times. Hermy has the respect of his colleagues and residents.

Commitment to Youth and Education

After college, Hermy returned to Cabuyao, working for five years with various community organizations focused environmental and youth projects. Hermy oversaw the planting of 100 trees along a coastal road. He founded a sports club and launched a basketball league for out-of-school youth along with sports programs for academically at-risk students.

Both of Hermy and Maria's children have attended San Leandro public schools. Their daughter Mia graduated in June from San Leandro High School and will be attending California State University East Bay. Their son Matthew is a junior at San Leandro High School.

"San Leandro is a diverse community and our schools are even more diverse than our city as a whole. I value and embrace our diversity," Almonte states.

Hermy has been an active parent and supporter of our schools and community. His service includes:

• President, English Learner Advisory Committee, SLHS, 2007-Present.

• School Site Council - San Leandro High School, 2005 - 2006.

• E-scrip Coordinator - United Parents of San Leandro High-School, 2006- Present.

• Advisor, Leo Service Club, San Leandro High School, 2007- Present.

• Member, Lions Club of San Leandro, 2007 - Present.

• Member-at-Large, Alameda County Consumer Affairs Commission, 2006-Present.

• Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, San Leandro, Parishioner.