Candidate for
Board Member; Berryessa Union School District

With a dedication of thirty-seven years in education, Thelma Boac has her mind set on the future of our youths. Having served as both administrator and teacher at our local schools (Silver Creek High, Independence High, and Sunnyvale High School), she has the unique hands-on experience in our public school system. Now a retired educator, Thelma was recently appointed as a trustee of the Berryessa Union School District Board in May 2013, continuing her commitment to education. This dedicated public servant understands the issues of education. Leaving her family behind at the age of 10, she moved to the United States, where she was adopted by her aunt. She entered school with much enthusiasm and fear due to the English language barrier. However, this shaped Thelma to become the understanding and caring educator she is today.

Thelma's retirement did not stop her from continuing to make her mark in education. Immediately after retirement, she supervised student teachers at San Jose State University and The National Hispanic University, preparing and coaching students working on their California Teaching Credentials. Currently, Thelma is involved with the Santa Clara County Office of Education serving as a Leadership Professional Coach of new principals and administrators, teaching them the techniques and skills essential to becoming instructional leaders of their respective schools.

Her passion of helping others and especially youth doesn't stop there. Thelma holds several leadership positions in community based organizations locally and globally, including serving on the boards of CHEF (Children, Health, and Education Foundation) and FWN (Filipina Women's Network), as well as acting USA Director, Country Representative for HDI (Human Development International).

Thelma has been recognized for her dedication to education and the community, receiving honors such as the San Jose Local Hero Award from the California State Assembly (20th District, 2011), the Dr. Martin Luther King Good Neighbor Award, and the San Jose State University Multicultural Award and has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S.

In her senior year of college, Thelma attended the University of Granada, Spain, as part of the California State International Programs to further her foreign language study. Thelma received her Bachelor's Degree and Teaching Credentials from San Francisco State University and holds a Master's Degree in Education with emphasis in Administration and Supervision from San Jose State University. She has lived in Berryessa for over 38 years along with her husband Dan Boac and raised their two now adult children here.