Candidate for
Board Member; Centralia School District

Biography: Dennis Salts is a community member who contributes, volunteers, sponsors, and supports public education in many ways. Mr. Salts has served on the Centralia School Board of Trustees for nine years. Dennis volunteers in the classroom and the community, modeling good citizenship and responsibility. He is a firm believer in public education. He has resided within the Centralia District's boundaries for over 40 years. His two daughters were both educated in Centralia schools. Anaheim High School District honored Dennis and his wife Christiane with the Friends of Education Award. In 2008, Dennis was named Citizen of the Year by Cypress College at their Americana Awards. He retired after more than 40 years in the grocery business and enjoys working with a wide variety of people. He and his wife, an elementary school teacher, have successfully mentored many individuals throughout their careers and involvement in the community.

Mr. Salts is President of the Board of Trustees and an ardent supporter of the Buena Park Library. As a result of his leadership, the Library has updated its onsite public computers and technology to enhance customer usage. Currently, the Library is offering technology online, enabling students to work on homework, do research, and they can even learn foreign languages. The Library has programs for all ages and ethnicities, offering programs and children's reading times in various languages. The BP Library now also can expedite passport applications. He is a 30+ year financial supporter of the Children's Reading Program.

Dennis is Past Assistant Governor of Rotary International District 5320 and a Paul Harris Society member. He has served as Director of Rotary Youth programs for all of Orange County & South LA County. Rotary International sponsors many Youth projects in the community each year, enabling young people to get involved in our community and make a positive difference. Dennis was selected Rotary District 5320's "Business Rotarian of the Year" in 2007 by Chapman University Business School.

As a long-time supporter of both Boy- and Girl Scouts Programs, he received the "Cliff Dochterman International Distinguished Service to Scouting Award." Mr. Salts was awarded Exploring Advisor of the Year by the OC Boy Scouts 2007-08.

Dennis is a past trustee of the Buena Park Chamber of Commerce, a Life Member of the BP Historical Society, supporting member of the Huntington Library and the Fullerton Arboretum.

Trustee Salts is a student of International Cultures and Business. He and his wife enjoy traveling the world and getting to know people from different backgrounds. Dennis believes it is important to understand other cultures and religions.

Dennis Salts is a graduate of CSUF, an Army Veteran, and a lifetime learner. "Never give up. That is my motto," said Salts. "I attribute much of what I have achieved to helping motivate others to be the best they can be." Trustee Salts believes that community support is essential to maintain quality schools for our children. He believes that we can help our students be their best by joining together in the effort. To achieve our best requires Parents, Teachers, Classified Support Staff, Management, and the Board of Trustees to work with Community members and organizations: the PTA, Library, Scouts, Rotary Club, City Parks & Recreation, Boys & Girls Club, Lions, Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, Soroptimist, Kiwanis, American Legion and others.

Centralia School District comprises eight elementary schools, each with a diverse population. We have students that have special needs which are being served. One of our demographics is that over 30 languages are spoken in the homes of our students. Our district leaders have formulated programs to serve all of our students with their varying needs. Trustee Salts is a teacher/presenter at many workshops for Youth Advisors and students.

Dennis believes that Centralia School District is doing an outstanding job of educating all of the students. The most recent state test scores show Centralia is above average for both state and county. One of our schools, Danbrook Elementary, had the best increase in scores for all of Orange County. Dennis states: "We have a great team of dedicated employees at Centralia School District. I am proud to be a member of the Board of Trustees and work with such a terrific group of people."