Candidate for
Board Member; Fullerton Joint Union High School District

My mother and father raised my two young brothers and me in Orange, CA, where we attended local public schools. After graduating from Orange High School, I made the decision to pursue higher education at Cal Poly Pomona where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Resources. Shortly after graduating, I pursued my teaching credential in business and math, followed by my masters in multi-cultural education.

I started my career at Ladera Vista Jr. High in 1998 as a substitute teacher and have taught math there as a full time teacher for the past 12 years. It was at Ladera Vista where I discovered a passion for education and a dedication to my community. I have taken a proactive role in activities on and off the campus to ensure that students were able to receive the best education possible.

As a passionate and dedicated teacher, I have chaperoned hundreds of students to Washington D.C. during their 8th grade year. We have visited Congressmen Ed Royce's office to introduce the students to the importance of civic engagement and good citizenship. Upon returning to their communities, many students sought to further their level of duty to country including internships with civic leaders, registering voters, and serving our country in the armed forces. After having inspired so many of my students to do their civic duties, I have decided to be a more active citizen myself by running for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees.

The responsibilities of board members are vital to the educational dynamic. Because board members have a long-lasting impact on the lives of both students and members of the community, they must be accessible to the people they serve. Balancing the district's budget, as well as setting short and long-term goals are of primary importance to the success of any school district. It is prudent during these challenging economic times that voters elect a board member who has experience in ensuring that the quality of education is maintained, students are academically challenged and teachers feel valued and supported.

My experience and dedication to the communities of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District are the reasons why I am the teachers` choice in Fullerton, Buena Park, and La Habra. Please join the educators of our community by voting for me, Andy Montoya, on November 6th, 2012.