School Board

Academias La Paz Board of Directors is responsible for the wellbeing of the school, ensuring that the mission and vision is reflected in every aspect of the organization.

Board meetings are open to the public to attend, and the meeting schedule for the school year can be viewed below. The agendas for each meeting are posted here at least three days in advance.  Meeting minutes are posted on the website after they are reviewed and approved by the board at the following meeting.

Are you an Academia Cesar Chavez family member, friend, or just passionate about education?  Consider joining the Board of Directors!  Check out our board member application or reach out to any of our current board members for more information. Download Application

Our Board of Directors

  • Carlos Mariani Rosa

    Community Chair
    Email

    Seated: May 2023
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Tony Aarts

    Community Vice-Chair
    Email

    Seated: January 2020
    Term Expires: May 2026


  • Kent Fordyce

    Community Treasurer
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    Seated: December 2017
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Mark Ahrens

    Community Secretary
    Email

    Seated: May 2023
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Yazmin Muñoz-Vallez

    Teacher
    Email

    Seated:
    Term Expires:

  • Dr. Ramon Vasquez

    Community
    Email

    Seated: May 2023
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Tamara Ramirez-Torres

    Teacher
    Email

    Seated: September 2016
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Niel Ritchie

    Community
    Email

    Seated: July 2024
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Ann Zukoski

    Community
    Email

    Seated: December 2012
    Term Expires: May 2027

  • Andrea Castillo

    Parent
    Email

    Seated:
    Term Expires:

2025-2026
School Board Schedule

Agenda & Minutes

BOARD RETREAT
July 28, 2025
Agenda | Minutes

August 13, 2025
Agenda | Minutes
Location: Academia Cesar Chavez - Ramona Center

September 10, 2025
Agenda | Minutes
Location: El Colegio High School - Cafeteria

October 8, 2025
Agenda | Minutes
Location: Academia Cesar Chavez - Ramona Center

November 12, 2025
Agenda | Minutes
Location: El Colegio High School - Cafeteria

December 10, 2025
Agenda | Minutes
Location: Academia Cesar Chavez - Ramona Center

January 14, 2026
Agenda | Minutes
Location: El Colegio High School - Cafeteria

February 11, 2026
Agenda | Minutes
Location: Academia Cesar Chavez - Ramona Center

March 11, 2026
Agenda | Minutes
Location: El Colegio High School - Cafeteria

ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS
March 27, 2026
Agenda | Minutes
Location: Academia Cesar Chavez - Ramona Center

April 15, 2026
Agenda | Minutes
Location: El Colegio High School - Cafeteria

May 13, 2026
Agenda | Minutes
Location: Academia
Cesar Chavez - Ramona Center

June 17, 2026
Agenda | Minutes|
Location: El Colegio High School - Cafeteria

District Staff

Ms. Norma C. Garcés
Executive Leadership

Ms. Katie G. De Aviña
Executive Leadership

Dr. Tim Brown
Director of Specialized Services

Ms. Leah Jadoonath
District Assessment Coordinator

Ms. Yolanda Martinez Pineda
School Counselor

Ms. Melissa Elizondo
Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Ms. Lucinda Costilla
Operations Assistant and MARSS Coordinator