Candidate for
Board Member; Cajon Valley Union School District

County Supervisor, Dianne Jacob

Former Secretary of Education for the State of California, Scott Himelstein

In my more than 20 years working closely with school boards in East County, I can unequivocally say Tamara Otero was the most involved, well-informed, thorough, and dedicated board member with whom I worked. Most importantly, Tamara has not lost sight of her primary roles--an advocate for children and parents, and a steward for taxpayers.
Tamara takes her role as board member seriously. She constantly visits schools; talks to students, teachers and parents; and serves on numerous committees to ensure she is knowledgeable on every subject. Her hard work and commitment to thoroughly understand issues facing the District allow her to make difficult decisions based on facts and input from many sources.
Tamara is passionate about children and quality education. She is a caring, selfless leader who demonstrates empathy and compassion, but is not afraid to share her opinions and ideas if she believes they are in the best interest of children and the District.
In this continuing era of change in education, every district needs leaders like Tamara--inquisitive, honest, strong, yet collaborative. Cajon Valley is flourishing under her leadership. I strongly support her campaign to continue as a Cajon Valley Board member.
Janice Cook
Cajon Valley Union School District Superintendent, Retired

I have worked with Tamara Otero in her role as parent, classroom volunteer, PTA member/ site president/Council president and school board member. In my 35 years in the Cajon Valley district I have encountered few people who care more about kids, schools and quality education than Tamara. She is smart, open, intellectually curious and committed to quality education for all of our kids, with no hidden agenda or axe to grind. She is the kind of parent we need on the CVUSD Board. She will continue to make a difference for all of our students, families and staff. I am proud to support and endorse Tamara Otero for Cajon Valley School Board.
Charlie Roach
Retired Principal

Tamara Otero's leadership on the Cajon Valley Board of Education has been EXCEPTIONAL. Tamara is a true leader who genuinely cares about Cajon Valley and its students. She is very collaborative in her leadership and works effectively with colleagues, staff and the superintendent in making decisions that will positively impact the students and staff of Cajon Valley. As a retried California superintendent and former Cajon Valley superintendent, I can unequivocally state that Tamara is one of the brightest, most involved and hardest working Board Members that I have ever had the privilege to be associated. She is a tremendous asset to the community and its children, and I give her my highest level of support.
In short, when it comes to being an effective leader and caring about children, "there may be some her equal, but none her superior".
Sincerely,
Dr. Dennis M. Smith
Former Cajon Valley Superintendent

I was fortunate to work with Tamara Otero since her election as a school Board member for Cajon Valley Union School District. Throughout her terms, Tamara was able to earn the trust and confidence of parents, students, staff, community members, and other members of the Board.
Given the state of public education and the economy in recent years, Tamara always does her research, asks questions, and makes decisions that are in the best interest of students in Cajon Valley. She is a great supporter of technology in the classrooms, the arts, STEM, dual-language, and International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
In addition to being a school Board member and parent, Tamara volunteers at the schools, is active in PTA, sits on various District committees, and is a Rotarian.
Cajon Valley Union High School District is dedicated to providing a quality education for every child. With such a responsibility to uphold, it is extremely important to carefully choose board members who will help strengthen the educational environment, which is exactly why I believe Tamara Otero continues to be the perfect choice.
Sincerely,
Lisa Arreola
Former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees, Cajon Valley Union School District

Tamara's passion for excellence in education is unparalleled. For her, it's
all about the students. I can't think of a better advocate for our children
than Tamara.
Mike Atkinson
Parent, Community Leader

Tamara is a mother of 4 children, all of whom have attended Cajon Valley schools. Her # 1 priority has always been Cajon Valley children and their education. Before being elected in 2010, she was an involved parent (PTA leadership, parent volunteer, CVUSD Committees) and continues this involvement as a parent in her children's schools. As a member of the School Board she visits schools on a regular basis to confirm progress toward the Common Core as well as celebrate students' success and support teachers. She has provided insight and oversight regarding the District Strategic Plan, implementation of dual language schools, long range plans, District budget, and site construction. Not to mention she has been the spokesperson & President of the Board from 2012-2014. Tamara is business savvy. She strives to bridge the gap between the Schools and businesses within the El Cajon Community. In the last 3 1/2 years Tamara has represented and worked tirelessly to put Children First.
She is my choice for Cajon Valley Union School Board. Mark your ballot for Tamara Otero.
Suzanne Mullins
Retired CVUSD teacher

Tamara Otero is an outstanding example of the kind of person that should be on the Cajon Valley Union School Board. She has firsthand experience in many facets of education; foremost, she was a volunteer in classrooms for every year that each of her four children was in elementary school. She exemplifies leadership qualities which she demonstrated by being P.T.A. President at an elementary and at a middle school, sat on the Superintendent's Advisory Council, and was a member of the district Strategic Planning Committee, just to name a few. Tamara listens objectively to and is interested in what children, parents, and teachers say and is intuitive to their needs. She is truly a person who puts children FIRST, responds to the needs of ALL children, and works diligently to develop innovative programs to support their education. I have the upmost admiration for Tamara's compassion and the tireless effort which she gives on a daily basis to the children of Cajon Valley School District.
Retired Teacher
Former Teacher of Tamara's four children,
Betty Sopfe