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

  • A smiling man with gray hair and a beard, wearing a black suit and white shirt, standing indoors with a modern glass building in the background.

    Carlos Mariani Rosa

    Community Chair
    Email

    Seated: May 2023
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • A smiling man wearing glasses, a red cap, and a dark polo shirt outdoors with green trees in the background.

    Tony Aarts

    Community Vice-Chair
    Email

    Seated: January 2020
    Term Expires: May 2026


  • An elderly man with long gray hair and a kind smile, wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt, and plaid tie, seated at a table in a well-lit indoor setting.

    Kent Fordyce

    Community Treasurer
    Email

    Seated: December 2017
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Close-up of a middle-aged man with glasses, a beard, and shoulder-length hair, wearing a blue collared shirt, in front of a green and blue classroom whiteboard with handwritten notes.

    Mark Ahrens

    Community Secretary
    Email

    Seated: May 2023
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Portrait of a woman with long dark hair, glasses, and hoop earrings, wearing a green top, against a grey background.

    Yazmin Muñoz-Vallez

    Teacher
    Email

    Seated:
    Term Expires:

  • A portrait of a middle-aged man with a shaved head, wearing a gray blazer over a dark shirt, against a gray background.

    Dr. Ramon Vasquez

    Community
    Email

    Seated: May 2023
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with short gray hair, wearing sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, and a blue and white striped shirt outdoors.

    Tamara Ramirez-Torres

    Teacher
    Email

    Seated: September 2016
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • Portrait of a middle-aged man with glasses, wearing a dark suit, light blue shirt, and a patterned tie, smiling against a gray background.

    Niel Ritchie

    Community
    Email

    Seated: July 2024
    Term Expires: May 2026

  • A smiling middle-aged woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a light gray sweater over a white shirt. She is outdoors with a blurred background.

    Ann Zukoski

    Community
    Email

    Seated: December 2012
    Term Expires: May 2027

  • A smiling young woman with black hair wearing a black shirt outdoors with blurred green and yellow trees.

    Andrea Castillo

    Parent
    Email

    Seated: April 2025
    Term Expires: March 2027

2025-2026
School Board Schedule

Agenda & Minutes from Previous years

Agenda & Minutes

BOARD RETREAT
July 28, 2025
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 19, 2025
Agenda | Minutes
Location: El Colegio High School
Cafeteria

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

January 21, 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

AgendaMay 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