School Board Appreciation Month

Posted Date: 01/16/26 (03:58 PM)

Santa Rita Union School District

Superintendent's Newsletter

🏆 School Board Appreciation Month

January is School Board Appreciation Month, and we are proud to recognize the dedicated Trustees of the Santa Rita Union School District.

Our Board of Trustees is composed of educators, former students, parents, business owners, and community advocates who share a deep personal connection to Santa Rita and a profound commitment to public education. Their collective experience gives them both an intimate understanding of our schools and a broad perspective on the evolving educational landscape.

These Trustees are not distant decision-makers; they are present, engaged partners in the life of our district. They visit school sites, serve on district committees, and actively participate in efforts such as our Measure R bond campaign. They take the time to understand our instructional programs, assessments, and research-based practices, and they approach their work with curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to strengthen outcomes for students.

Their leadership is also shaped by a deep sense of shared responsibility and purpose. They do not view themselves as separate from the district they serve; they see themselves as part of it. Their leadership is grounded in collaboration, care, and an unwavering focus on what matters most: the success, safety, and well-being of every student.

When asked to share their hopes for Santa Rita students, our Trustees reflected those values in their own words:

Jacob Sandoval - Board President, Area 5

My hope for the Santa Rita Union School District is that every student feels seen, supported, and prepared for their future. Beyond academics, our schools play a vital role in growing leaders by building confidence, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility so students are ready to serve, lead, and strengthen their communities

Cindy Lopez - Vice President, Area 2

As an alumnus of the Santa Rita Union School District, my hope is that students know education is something that can never be taken away. You can lose a job or start a new career at mid-age, and educating yourself will give you the power to know that anything is possible with perseverance and dedication. Keep following your dreams and make them a reality.

Sarah Turner - Board Trustee Area 1

I hope our students are able to discover their unique talents, develop these gifts, and learn all they need to fulfill their dreams.

Smiling woman wearing a red top with white flowers

Elva Arellano - Board Trustee, Area 3

Fostering a sense of belonging, confidence, and purpose. To enable them to become capable, kind, and resilient individuals who can achieve their goals and contribute positively to our society.

Sunil "Neil" Patel - Board Trustee, Area 4

My hope and dream for all our students is for them to pursue their dreams by believing in themselves and to become lifelong learners by building on their Santa Rita education.

Santa Rita is stronger because of their service, and our community is better because of their leadership. We extend our sincere thanks to our Trustees for the time, heart, and dedication they give to our schools.

💬 Stay Informed with Our Communication Tools

We use several platforms to keep you up-to-date on school and district news:

ParentSquare - for school announcements and classroom updates.

Aeries - used to manage student data like grades, attendance, and more.

District Website - for calendars, news, and resources

Social Media – follow us on Instagram & Facebook for real-time updates