Candidate for
Governing Board Member; El Rancho Unified School District

I am a product of the El Rancho Unified School District and a graduate of Rio Hondo College. Both of my sisters are also graduates of El Rancho High School, the youngest of which graduated last year with honors and is now in college.

I have remained active in our community by raising college scholarship funds for our graduates through the Don Booster Club and volunteering with the North Park Middle School Band because I want to build a stronger future for our kids. Our students deserves a first rate education. We must increase the number of college and career ready graduates so we can keep our commitment to have a college degree in every household.

As a business development officer in a technology-based company, I know the importance of a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program. I will advocate for dedicated funds for more STEM courses.

As a former Engineering Projects Coordinator for a local city, I managed millions of dollars' worth of construction projects to ensure these projects were on time and within budget. I will do the same for our district and it starts with the development of a construction master plan.

As a member of the Bond Oversight Committee for Rio Hondo College, I represent the residents of Pico Rivera to ensure our bond dollars are well spent. This is the same $245 million construction bond I advocated for as ASB President at Rio Hondo College. Based on my experience, I will ensure El Rancho has closer oversight of all construction contracts, policies and procedures to reduce wasteful spending.

Only 35 percent of the last year's graduating class had completed their A-G requirements in order to attend a college or university. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!! Our kids are depending on us. We must ensure that we are preparing our students for college and careers to be able to meet the demands of tomorrow.

I will strengthen and seek new partnerships with organizations that improve education in our district like Generation 1st Degree, Rio Hondo and other colleges and universities by becoming active participants. Continue to promote and foster a Rio Hondo College satellite campus in Pico Rivera.

The El Rancho School District is facing many critical challenges at this time--a budget deficit, declining enrollment, and a lack of a construction plan. It is critical that there be a balance of experiences on our school board to reflect these challenges. I have a unique perspective that will balance the Board. The knowledge I have obtained as a Construction Manager and in the Information Technology (IT) industry will help to diversify the perspective on our board. I will be the voice of the community, fiscal responsibility and bringing our school district into the 22nd Century.

VOTE FOR FERNANDO CENTENO ON NOVEMBER 5TH.