Candidate for
Board Member; Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District; Unexpired Short Term

My name is Efrain Meléndez, and I was born and raised in Arizona. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Secondary Teaching Credential I began my teaching career at James Logan H.S. in Union City, CA. I later moved to Los Angeles and worked for the L.A. Unified School District as a 6th grade teacher while I pursued a Masters Degree in Education and an Elementary teaching Credential.I taught 4th-6th grades and also worked as a school Bilingual Coordinator and Title 1 Adviser at both the school and District levels. I later served for five years in the capacity of a District K-6 math/science resource teacher as part of an National Foundation Science grant that was awarded to the District. I returned to the Bay Area and Livermore to get married and raise a family. I taught in grades 3rd-4th at two Livermore schools for a total of fourteen years. I served on school site leadership teams and also was an EL Liason for three of those years.I retired from the District in June, 2013.

I have two boys, ages 11 and 13,attending Mendenhall M.S. I keep busy with volunteering in youth sports and church activities. I am presently interested in serving as a L.V.J.U.S.D. School Board Trustee.

My top three priorities are:

Support a vision of high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction PreK - 12th grades. That quality instruction and programs for both college bound and career/technical bound high school students are part of the norm. Student learning is job one.

Commit to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and be perseverant in its implementation. Assure that resources are targeted to promote achievement for all students.To routinely and regularly analyze the LCAP's effectiveness towards achieving District goals.

Maintain a strong collaborative relationship with staff, school personnel and the community. Continue to inform and engage all stakeholders in setting short-term and long-term goals that will result in a high quality education for all our District's students.