Adriana Quinones (Hacienda La Puente Unified School District school board Trustee Area 3, California, candidate 2024)

Adriana Quinones

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District school board Trustee Area 3

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Theodore Roosevelt High School

Contact

Campaign Facebook

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Adriana Quinones ran for election to the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District school board to represent Trustee Area 3 in California. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

Quinones completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Adriana Quinones provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2024:

• High school: Theodore Roosevelt High School
• Associate: East Los Angeles Community College
• Gender: Female
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: For a transparent, financially responsible, and community-focused school district.
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram

Elections

General election

General election for Hacienda La Puente Unified School District school board Trustee Area 3

Incumbent Christine Helen Salazar and Adriana Quinones ran in the general election for Hacienda La Puente Unified School District school board Trustee Area 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Christine Helen Salazar (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Adriana Quinones (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Quinones in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Adriana Quinones completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Quinones' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud first-generation Mexican-American. I was born in Durango, Mexico, and my family moved to Southern California when I was 9 years old. I was raised in South Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, where I experienced firsthand what it feels like to be underserved or forgotten in the educational system. After the birth of my daughters, I became an active community member in Highland Park. In 2000, I moved to Hacienda Heights, where I have continued to be deeply involved in the community to ensure my daughters have a better future.

My candidacy is driven by a deep passion for ensuring that every community voice is heard and that all of our schools provide the highest quality education. As a long-time community advocate and proud parent of children who have benefited from the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, I am committed to fostering transparency, financial responsibility, and community involvement on the school board.

I have worked behind the scenes on various projects and initiatives to improve our local community. I am a board member of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association, a member of the Clean Air Coalition, and I also serve as the captain of my neighborhood watch with SaferHH, promoting safety and engagement in our community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and accountable district that reflects the needs and values of our diverse community.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and traveling. I look forward to

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Transparency and Accountability: I am committed to ensuring our school board operates with transparency and accountability. Every decision will be made openly, with the community informed and engaged throughout the process. I believe in regular updates and public forums where residents can voice their concerns and ideas. As a long-time advocate and active community member, I understand the importance of community input in decision-making. I will push for transparency in budgeting, policies, and practices to restore trust and ensure that our school board reflects the needs and values of our community.
• Financial Responsibility: As a steward of taxpayer dollars, I am committed to ensuring our district operates with financial responsibility. Schools in La Puente and Valinda face challenges, with test scores highlighting the need for resources and support. I understand the importance of adequate funding. Unfortunately, unnecessary lawsuits and spending on items that do not directly benefit students have diverted essential resources. I will advocate for prudent budgeting, risk assessments to eliminate wasteful expenditures, and prioritizing programs that support our students and staff. By increasing funding for vital resources, we can empower our students and maximize every dollar spent to ensure high-quality education.
• Community Engagement: I firmly believe in the power of community engagement. As a long-time advocate and active member of organizations like the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association, Clean Air Coalition, and SaferHH, I have seen the positive impact of collaboration. I am committed to fostering strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and residents to address the needs of our students. Together, we can create a more inclusive and responsive district that prioritizes the voices of all stakeholders. I will work to ensure that our schools are not only places of learning but also centers of community strength and support.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Community Engagement: I believe that active community engagement is vital for effective governance. My commitment is to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, especially those of parents and residents. I aim to foster open dialogue between the school board and the community, encouraging participation in decision-making processes. By organizing regular community forums, we can address concerns and share ideas. Additionally, I will work to establish partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that our schools reflect the diverse needs of our community. Together, we can create a more connected, informed, and engaged district.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. As an elected official, I will prioritize honesty, transparency, and accountability in all my actions. Upholding ethical standards is crucial for building trust within the community. I believe in being open about decision-making processes and communicating honestly with constituents, even when the truth is difficult. Integrity also means standing up for what is right, even when faced with pressure to conform. By fostering a culture of integrity, I aim to inspire confidence in our district’s leadership and ensure that all decisions reflect the values and needs of our community.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is one of positive impact and meaningful change in the lives of many. I aspire to be remembered as someone who dedicated themselves to advocating for others, especially those who may not have had a voice or the resources to navigate challenges on their own.

Throughout my journey, I aim to empower individuals and families, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. I hope to inspire others to get involved in their communities and champion causes that matter. Whether through education, community service, or advocacy, I want to leave behind a ripple effect of kindness and commitment to social justice.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a lasting difference that enhances the well-being of our community and ensures that future generations have the support and opportunities they need to thrive. I want my legacy to reflect the belief that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good, and that together, we can build a brighter future for all.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at the LA Times cafeteria when I was about 15 years old. I worked there until I turned 18, and it was a valuable experience that shaped my work ethic and interpersonal skills.

In this role, I learned the importance of customer service and how to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people. I developed teamwork skills, collaborating with my coworkers to ensure that everything ran smoothly during busy shifts. I also took pride in my work, understanding that every task, no matter how small, contributed to the overall dining experience for our customers.

Additionally, I gained an appreciation for quality food and the effort that goes into preparing and serving it. This job instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to excellence that I carry with me to this day. The lessons I learned during those formative years continue to influence my approach to work and community engagement.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Rise Up by Andrea Day

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to serve as the voice of the community and effectively communicate that vision to the superintendent. This role is crucial in ensuring that the needs, concerns, and aspirations of parents, students, and community members are heard and represented in the decision-making process.

A school board member should actively engage with the community, listening to their ideas and feedback on various issues affecting our schools. This involvement not only builds trust but also helps create policies that reflect the community's values and priorities. By advocating for the educational needs of our children, a school board member can help shape an environment that promotes student success and well-being.

Collaboration with the superintendent and other school officials is vital for translating community input into actionable strategies. School board members should work together with the superintendent to develop and implement policies that address academic achievement, resource allocation, and overall school improvement. This partnership is essential for fostering an educational environment where all students can thrive.

Additionally, a school board member should focus on transparency and accountability in all decisions made. This includes providing clear information about budget allocations, program effectiveness, and student performance metrics to the community. By being transparent, we can build confidence in our leadership and demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance.

Ultimately, my goal as a school board member would be to bridge the gap between the community and the educational system, ensuring that our schools not only meet academic standards but also reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our community. Together, we can create a thriving educational environment that empowers every student to succeed.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

One of the critical areas I believe we need to focus on is special education. Our district has faced numerous lawsuits concerning the inadequate support provided to students with special needs, which indicates a systemic failure to meet their educational requirements. Based on community input, it’s clear that many families feel their children are not receiving the attention and resources necessary for success.

I propose implementing a comprehensive review of our current special education policies to identify gaps and areas for improvement. This should include increasing access to specialized training for educators, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to effectively support diverse learning needs. Additionally, we must allocate more resources to special education programs, including hiring additional staff and providing necessary materials to create an inclusive environment.

Furthermore, establishing a dedicated committee composed of parents, educators, and specialists can help facilitate ongoing dialogue about the needs of special education students. This committee would play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes and ensuring that the voices of affected families are heard in the decision-making process.

By prioritizing special education, we can create a more equitable and supportive learning environment that meets the needs of all our students and helps them reach their full potential.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to have received endorsements from the California School Employees Association (CSEA), as well as Board Members Jeffrey De La Torre and Stephanie Serrano. It's important to note that I did not seek out these endorsements or accept any financial contributions. My commitment to keeping money out of politics allows me to approach decision-making with a clear conscience, ensuring that I owe no favors to anyone. I expressed this principle to the union during my interview process, emphasizing that my focus is solely on serving the community's best interests.

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment for students is inclusive, safe, and engaging, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting academic success. A classroom should be a welcoming space where every student feels valued and empowered to express their thoughts and ideas.

Unfortunately, many of our classrooms are outdated and need proper renovation. While some spaces were refreshed, the work was not done adequately, leaving us with facilities that don’t reflect current educational standards. We must bring our classrooms into the present, taking inspiration from neighboring districts that showcase more up-to-date and appealing learning environments.

Teaching methods must align with the latest research, and I strongly advocate for culturally responsive leadership and teaching. Our diverse student population requires that teachers have the tools and training to meet various cultural backgrounds effectively.

Additionally, a focus on mental health is crucial. A safe and supportive atmosphere allows students to take risks in their learning without fear of failure. Integrating social-emotional learning programs promotes mental health awareness and equips students with tools to manage stress and build resilience.

By prioritizing inclusivity, engagement, and modern facilities, we can create a vibrant educational experience that prepares students for the future.

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.

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