Aaron Reveles (Montebello Unified School Board At-large, California, candidate 2024)
Aaron Reveles ran for election to the Montebello Unified School Board At-large in California. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Reveles completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Aaron Reveles provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 1, 2024:
- Birth date: June 11, 1994
- Birth place: Los Angeles, California
- High school: Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Learning Center
- Bachelor's: University of California Santa Barbara California, 2017
- Graduate: John's Hopkins University of Education, 2020
- Gender: Male
- Religion: None
- Profession: Teacher
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: "Empower Students, Fund Schools, Strengthen Communities!"
- Campaign Instagram
Elections
General election
General election for Montebello Unified School Board At-large (2 seats)
Joanna L. Barreras, Elizabeth Cabrera, Lisa M. Ibanez, Liliana Magana, and Aaron Reveles ran in the general election for Montebello Unified School Board At-large on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Joanna L. Barreras (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Elizabeth Cabrera (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Lisa M. Ibanez (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Liliana Magana (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Aaron Reveles (Nonpartisan)  | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Reveles in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Aaron Reveles completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Reveles' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My passion for public education began during my time with City Year AmeriCorps, where I supported students in developing essential social and academic skills. As a proud union member with United Teachers Los Angeles, I have actively campaigned for equitable education and the rights of students, teachers, and our community.
I am running for the Montebello Unified School District Board to prioritize transparency in our school finances, enhance student achievement, and promote environmental justice. I believe in creating a more democratic school board by advocating for ranked-choice voting and ensuring that all voices in our community are heard. Together, we can build a brighter future for our students and our district.- Prioritizing Student Success: I am committed to improving educational outcomes for all students in the Montebello Unified School District. This includes advocating for increased resources, supportive learning environments, and programs that address the diverse needs of our student population.
- Democratizing the School Board: I believe in creating a more inclusive and transparent school board that truly represents our community. By pushing for ranked-choice voting and holding regular town halls, I will ensure that parents, teachers, and community members have a voice in decision-making processes.
- Supporting Workers and Teachers: I am dedicated to advocating for fair wages and benefits for teachers and staff, recognizing that their well-being is essential for creating a thriving educational environment. I will work to retain qualified educators and support their professional development, ensuring that our students receive the best education possible.
Eugene Debs, a founding member of the Industrial Workers of the World and a perennial presidential candidate, championed workers' rights and socialism in America. His fearless advocacy for the working class and his commitment to social and economic equality resonate deeply with my own values. Both of these figures exemplify the importance of standing up for what is right, challenging the status quo, and working towards a more equitable society. Their legacies inspire me to pursue social justice and democratic ideals in my own work
I would recommend "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire to anyone who wants to understand my political philosophy. Freire’s work emphasizes the importance of education as a tool for liberation and social justice. His ideas about empowering marginalized communities through critical thinking and active participation align with my belief that schools should not only educate students academically but also inspire them to challenge injustice and advocate for change.
Additionally, I am a collaborative leader who values teamwork and community input in decision-making processes. I believe that inclusivity fosters better solutions and strengthens the bond between the school district and the community it serves. My ability to analyze complex issues and think critically helps me develop effective policies that address the needs of students, faculty, and families.
Another key responsibility is maintaining fiscal transparency and accountability. School board members must ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, prioritizing investments that directly benefit students and educators while keeping the community informed about budget decisions.
Supporting educators and staff is also essential. A school board member must advocate for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions to retain and attract talented educators. Providing the resources teachers need to succeed ensures that students receive the best possible education.
Additionally, the school board should engage with the community, actively listening to parents, teachers, staff, and students to understand their concerns and ideas. Collaboration with the community is crucial for making informed decisions that reflect the needs and values of those served by the district.
I want to ensure that policies reflect the diverse needs of our students and that mental health support, social justice, and environmental sustainability are prioritized. By promoting transparency and accountability in the district's operations, I hope to build trust within the community and encourage more parents and residents to engage with the school system.
The book’s analysis of how a revolution can transform society, coupled with its emphasis on the importance of class struggle, provides valuable insights into the challenges we face in our pursuit of social justice. It serves as a critical reminder of the need for organized action and solidarity among the working class, inspiring me to advocate for meaningful change within my community and beyond.
This struggle has taught me the importance of self-care and time management. I’ve learned to prioritize my well-being while remaining committed to my responsibilities. Additionally, it has reinforced my belief in the importance of support systems—whether through colleagues, mentors, or community members—who can provide guidance and encouragement during difficult times. This experience has shaped my understanding of the challenges many families face, motivating me to advocate for policies that support not just students but also their families and educators within the school system.
Additionally, I serve the parents and guardians who entrust the district with their children’s education and want to see transparency and accountability from the school board. Finally, the community members—taxpayers, local organizations, and advocates—are also my constituents, as they have a stake in the success of our schools and the future of our community. My goal is to represent all these voices and work toward policies that benefit everyone.
For students, I would prioritize equitable access to resources, such as technology, tutoring, and mental health services, ensuring that every student—regardless of background—has the support they need to succeed. I would also advocate for culturally responsive curricula that reflect the diversity of our student body, ensuring all students see themselves represented in their education.
For faculty and staff, I would push for fair wages, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Ensuring that our educators and support staff have what they need to thrive is crucial for retaining talented individuals who make a direct impact on students.
For the community, I would foster open communication and create opportunities for parents, guardians, and local organizations to have a voice in district decisions. This would include hosting regular town halls and ensuring transparency in district policies and finances. By listening to all stakeholders, we can create solutions that meet the unique needs of our diverse community.
First, I will establish open lines of communication by regularly hosting town halls and community forums. These events will rotate across different neighborhoods in the district to ensure accessibility for everyone. I also plan to maintain a strong presence on social media and other digital platforms, making it easy for community members to share feedback and ask questions.
I will specifically target and build partnerships with parent-teacher associations (PTAs), local labor unions, and teacher advocacy groups, as they play a critical role in shaping the educational environment. Cultural organizations that represent our diverse community, such as Latino advocacy groups and immigrant rights organizations, will be key to ensuring we meet the needs of all families. I also plan to work closely with student groups to give young people a voice in decision-making.
Additionally, I will collaborate with local businesses and nonprofits to create internship opportunities, mentorship programs, and community services that benefit both students and the broader community. Lastly, environmental organizations will be key partners in implementing sustainable practices within the district, aligning with my commitment to environmental justice.
To measure good teaching, I would focus on multiple indicators, including student performance and progress, classroom observations, and feedback from students, parents, and colleagues. Standardized assessments can provide some insights, but I also believe in using formative assessments and projects to gauge students’ understanding and skills in real-world contexts. Additionally, teacher self-reflection and peer evaluations can help identify areas for improvement and highlight successful practices.
Supporting advanced teaching approaches involves providing professional development opportunities that expose educators to innovative strategies and best practices. I would advocate for workshops, coaching, and collaborative planning sessions that encourage teachers to experiment with new methodologies, such as project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, and the integration of technology. Creating a culture of continuous improvement, where teachers feel empowered to share their successes and challenges, will further enhance teaching quality across the district.
First, I see a significant need for advanced technical training and apprenticeships, particularly in fields such as information technology, healthcare, and the skilled trades. Partnering with local businesses and community colleges to create internship and apprenticeship programs would provide students with valuable hands-on experience and help bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
Additionally, I would advocate for expanding our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum to include innovative programming like coding, robotics, and environmental science. This not only aligns with current job market demands but also equips students with essential skills for a rapidly changing world.
Another critical area for expansion is the inclusion of California history and culture in our social studies curriculum. By integrating local history, including the contributions of diverse communities and significant events that have shaped our state, students can develop a deeper understanding of their own identities and the world around them. This could involve project-based learning initiatives that encourage students to explore their local history through research, field trips, and community engagement.
Finally, I would support the introduction of social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health education as integral components of the curriculum. Teaching students to manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop resilience is essential for their overall well-being and success in both academics and life.
First and foremost, I believe in a proactive approach to safety that focuses on preventing incidents before they occur. This involves implementing comprehensive safety plans that include regular safety drills, clear emergency procedures, and ongoing training for staff and students. It’s essential to create an environment where everyone is aware of safety protocols and feels empowered to act.
Community engagement is another key principle. I would prioritize collaboration with local law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community organizations to ensure that safety measures are well-informed and tailored to the specific needs of our schools. This partnership can help create a supportive environment that fosters trust and communication between students, staff, and law enforcement.
Additionally, I believe in prioritizing mental health support for students. Recognizing that many safety issues stem from underlying mental health challenges, I would advocate for increased access to counselors, social workers, and mental health resources within our schools. By addressing these issues early on, we can help prevent situations that could escalate into crises.
Finally, I would emphasize the importance of creating a positive school culture where respect, inclusion, and support are central values. When students feel safe, valued, and connected to their peers and teachers, they are less likely to engage in harmful behaviors. By fostering a strong sense of community and belonging, we can enhance safety and well-being in our schools.
Because he was outstanding in his field!
In this environment, students feel safe and respected, free to express their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. Culturally relevant curricula that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of all students would be integral, helping them connect with the material on a deeper level.
Additionally, strong relationships between students and educators would be emphasized, with teachers serving as mentors and guides who support students’ individual learning journeys. There would also be a focus on social-emotional learning, ensuring that students develop skills such as resilience, empathy, and teamwork.
One significant issue was the lack of sufficient technology and internet access for all students, which created disparities in learning experiences. In the future, I would prioritize investing in infrastructure to ensure that every student has access to necessary devices and reliable internet, allowing for equitable participation in online learning.
Additionally, communication with parents and the community could have been more transparent and timely. I would implement regular updates and feedback mechanisms to keep all stakeholders informed and involved in decision-making processes. Building stronger connections with families and providing clear guidelines on safety protocols would enhance trust and cooperation during any future crises.
First, I will hold regular town halls and listening sessions to give parents a direct platform to voice their concerns, share ideas, and ask questions. These meetings will be held in various locations across the district to make them accessible to all parents. I will also use social media and email newsletters to keep parents informed about important decisions, upcoming events, and opportunities for involvement.
In addition to public meetings, I will establish parent advisory councils that meet regularly to discuss district policies and initiatives. These councils will allow parents from diverse backgrounds and communities to directly influence decision-making and ensure their voices are heard.
I will also focus on language accessibility, providing translations and interpreters for all communications and events, so that non-English-speaking parents are fully included in the process. This is particularly important in a diverse district like ours, where many families speak Spanish and other languages at home.
Government accountability goes hand in hand with transparency. Elected officials must be held responsible for the decisions they make, especially when those decisions involve public funds. I am committed to ensuring that the school board remains accountable to the community it serves by advocating for open, regular communication and being transparent about policies, budget allocations, and district priorities. My goal is to build a district where financial responsibility is aligned with the best interests of the community, and where every voice is heard and respected.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Montebello Unified School Board At-large |
Footnotes
