Catalina Piña
2024 - Present
2028
0
Catalina Piña is a member of the San Joaquin Delta Community College District in California, representing Trustee Area 6. She assumed office on December 13, 2024. Her current term ends on December 8, 2028.
Piña ran for election to the San Joaquin Delta Community College District to represent Trustee Area 6 in California. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Piña completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Catalina Piña was born in Los Angeles, California. Piña's career experience includes working as a educator. She earned a bachelor's degree from California Baptist University in 1998 and a Ph.D. from the California State University, Fullerton in 2014.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Municipal elections in San Joaquin County, California (2024)
General election
General election for San Joaquin Delta Community College District Trustee Area 6
Catalina Piña defeated Rosario Patrick in the general election for San Joaquin Delta Community College District Trustee Area 6 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Catalina Piña (Nonpartisan)  | 69.9 | 25,207 |
| Rosario Patrick (Nonpartisan) | 30.1 | 10,840 | ||
| Total votes: 36,047 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
To view Piña's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Piña in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Catalina Piña completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Piña's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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different community colleges before earning my Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Human Development from California Baptist University. My dedication to education led me to become an elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Pursuing further academic achievements, I earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Later, I completed my Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership, solidifying my commitment to the field of education. My career spans various roles, from a teacher and instructional coach to project director and university research assistant. Throughout my journey, I have demonstrated expertise in brain-based learning, cultural diversity, and effective teaching
strategies, making significant contributions to both K-12 and higher education environments- Increase Enrollment
Many students face financial difficulties that hinder their academic progress. A significant portion of Delta’s student body experiences housing and food insecurity, which can lead to poor academic performance or dropping out altogether. I will work on expanding mental health services, financial counseling, and basic needs support, such as food pantries and housing assistance, for students struggling with financial insecurity and collaborate with local businesses and industries to create internships,
apprenticeships, and career technical education programs that directly align with job market needs. - Like many community colleges, Delta struggles with a low percentage of students completing their programs or transferring to fouryear institutions. Improving these rates is a common goal but remains difficult due to student challenges like balancing work and school or unpreparedness for college-level coursework. I will champion initiatives that support marginalized and underrepresented student populations, including first-generation college students and those facing socio-economic challenges. Students are struggling. I will lobby for additional funding to improve faculty resources, expand student support services, and enhance technology infrastructure. Strong community college support is crucial for student success.
- Supporting Students and Faculty Educators are the cornerstone of delivering high-quality education in our schools. It is imperative that we recognize their invaluable contributions and equip them with the necessary resources to excel. I am committed to advocating for increased funding to support teachers and expanding their professional development opportunities through additional training and workshops. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of our educators, we will enhance our district's success and attract qualified professionals.
education, teacher support, and student well-being. I believe that ensuring equitable funding for public schools, improving teacher
working conditions, and addressing student mental health and basic needs are crucial to fostering a thriving educational
environment.
Additionally, I am committed to policies that support workforce development and career technical education (CTE), helping
students gain the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy. I also care about policies that enhance community
I would also recommend "The Death and Life of the Great American School System" by Diane Ravitch. Ravitch, a former advocate of standardized testing and charter schools, provides a thoughtful critique of education reform efforts and highlights the importance of supporting public schools, investing in teachers, and addressing inequalities within the education system.
and make informed decisions that reflect the best interests of the constituents. This role demands a commitment to effective
governance, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration with other board members, stakeholders, and the public. Some key
responsibilities include: Setting Policy and Direction: Establishing clear policies that guide the institution’s operations, including
educational priorities, financial planning, and community engagement.
Budget Oversight: Ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support programs, infrastructure, and personnel, while
maintaining fiscal stability.
Advocacy: Serving as a champion for public education by advocating for funding, equitable access, and policies that promote
student success and teacher support.
Accountability and Transparency: Holding the institution accountable by regularly reviewing performance data, ensuring
compliance with laws, and being transparent in decision-making processes.
Engaging with the Community: Regularly communicating with students, parents, educators, and community members to address
The primary role is to ensure that all decisions made by the board are centered on improving student outcomes. This includes increasing access to financial aid, scholarships, and academic resources, and supporting programs that help students complete their degrees, vocational programs or successfully transfer to four-year institutions.
Fiscal Oversight:
As a trustee, it’s essential to ensure responsible management of the college’s budget and resources. This involves making sure that funds are allocated effectively to enhance educational programs, improve facilities, and provide financial support to students, all while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Supporting Faculty and Staff:
Trustees should work to ensure that educators and staff have the resources, professional development opportunities, and support they need to succeed. Recognizing their contributions and providing an environment that encourages growth is key to a thriving academic institution.
Promoting Equity and Inclusivity:
It’s critical to advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion for all students, including undocumented students, LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and those from low-income backgrounds. Ensuring safe spaces, legal resources, and continuous equity training for faculty and staff is essential to creating a welcoming and supportive campus environment.
Strategic Planning and Policy Development:
San Joaquin Democratic Central Committee
Greater Democrats of Tracy
Delta College Faculty
Students and
In terms of accountability, elected officials and public institutions must be held responsible for their actions and decisions. This includes implementing policies that prioritize ethical governance, adhering to strict financial oversight, and making sure that processes are in place to track outcomes and results. Strong oversight mechanisms and regular audits should be standard to ensure that taxpayer money is being used appropriately and that there is no misuse of funds.
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 San Joaquin Delta Community College District Trustee Area 6 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 3, 2024
