Selected Education Champion: Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy

Across California, members of the CTA family are rising to meet another call for public service by running for school board elections this November.

Seeking to contribute their school and education knowledge and experience to local school boards, these educators are committed to building schools where every student deserves to be an elected policy maker. As the November election approaches, we spotlight the many educators and her CTA staff who are running for school board here at California Educator’s digital home.

Meet one of these education advocates: Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, a CTA field staff and former bilingual educator who is running for re-election to the West Contra Costa Unified School Board.

Why are you running for re-election?

I am a public school teacher and a union leader who is passionate about advocating for children. I have studied, listened and worked in our public schools for many years. I know firsthand that accessibility and inadequate resources must improve academic performance for all students where accessibility and inadequate resources are causing equity problems like never before. I am a first-generation American who graduated from a public school in California who grew up, was a bilingual teacher, and was married to a teacher. All of these experiences have given me a personal view of the issues in our system, especially how we invest in African American students and English language learners. We will continue to fight to give you the tools, resources and funding you need to succeed.

What are the district’s top priorities?

I have many priorities, but the three main ones I keep advocating are:

• Recruiting and retaining quality educators and staff. This includes higher wages, support and a change in school culture. This year alone, schools had hundreds of openings. The best resource we can give our students is our quality teachers.
• My second priority is resources for African American students and English learners. Unfortunately, both groups are the lowest performers in mathematics and reading. We have known this for a long time and must ensure that finite resources are focused on them with an impartial lens. It also includes curricula and books related to the construction of, culture.
• Ensuring the safety of all students and inclusiveness in decision-making. What this means to me is that all students are successful and have every opportunity open to them on their way to college and careers by the time they reach high school.

What does it mean to you to support educators in your work and as a school board member?

Supporting educators is supporting students and schools. No school can thrive without educator retention and support. We must provide them with the tools they need and deserve so that they can truly educate, support and nurture every student they serve.

Website: demetriogonzalezhoy.com

Facebook: Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, Board of Education Trustee West Contra Costa Area 4