Debbie Ramirez (West Sonoma County Union High School District school board Trustee Area 2, California, candidate 2024)

Debbie Ramirez

Nonpartisan

Candidate, West Sonoma County Union High School District school board Area 2

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Syracuse University, 1991

Personal

Profession

Field representative

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Debbie Ramirez ran for election to the West Sonoma County Union High School District school board Area 2 in California. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

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

Biography

Debbie Ramirez provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 1, 2024:

• Bachelor's: Syracuse University, 1991
• Gender: Female
• Profession: Field Representative
• Prior offices held:
  • Trustee, West Sonoma County Union High School District (2022)
  • Trustee, Sebastopol Union School District (2009-2019)
• Incumbent officeholder: Yes
• Campaign slogan: Experience + Passion
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram
• LinkedIn

Elections

General election

General election for West Sonoma County Union High School District school board Area 2

Linda Tighe Helton and Debbie Ramirez ran in the general election for West Sonoma County Union High School District school board Area 2 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Linda Tighe Helton (Nonpartisan)
		Debbie Ramirez (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Ramirez's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ramirez in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Debbie Ramirez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ramirez's 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 running for re-election to ensure our schools continue evolving to meet the needs of our community’s students. With over twelve years as a trustee, including ten years with a local elementary district, and as a parent of 2020 and 2023 graduates of West Sonoma County Union High School District, I understand our schools' needs. I am well-versed in school budgeting, education code, goal setting, mandates, and the Brown Act open meeting laws.

During the 2023-24 school year, I served as the board liaison to the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Educational Partner Committee. By incorporating input from teachers, administrators, parents, and students, and utilizing a data-driven process, we developed a more comprehensive and equity-focused planning framework than ever before.

Additionally, site councils were re-established to initiate more active engagement of students and families in the continuous improvement of our schools.

My dedication extends beyond governance; I have supported students, teachers, and families through work as a classroom volunteer, special education instructional assistant, and parent educator.

I am committed to ensuring the success of all students by focusing on meaningful engagement, transparency and fiscal responsibility. My experience and proven track record equip me to provide the leadership our community deserves.

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?

• Commitment to Preparing Students for the Future: I am committed to ensuring that all students are prepared for future success in an ever-changing world. My work as a trustee has focused on creating equitable opportunities that give every student the tools they need to succeed—whether pursuing higher education, joining the workforce, or developing essential life skills. By fostering collaboration between families, educators, and the community, I strive to build an inclusive and future-ready school environment where every student can thrive.
• Proven Leadership in School Governance: As a trustee, I have consistently advocated for effective and transparent governance. During the 2023-24 school year, I served as the board liaison to the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Educational Partner Committee. By incorporating data and community input, we developed a more equity-focused planning framework, re-established site councils, and fostered collaborative improvements in our schools. I will continue this leadership to ensure our district’s long-term success.
• Focus on Equity and Continuous Improvement: My commitment to equity drives my work to create opportunities for all students, regardless of background. I have championed initiatives that amplify student and family voices, while ensuring that our schools evolve to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Whether through volunteer efforts or governance, I strive to build a school environment where every student has the tools to succeed.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about transparency, accountability, and fostering strong community engagement.

Ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and transparent is essential to building trust between governing bodies and the communities they serve. As a trustee, I actively embrace and advocate for policies that promote meaningful stakeholder engagement.

I am committed to ensuring that our decisions and expenditures align with community values and priorities, making certain that resources are used wisely and reflect the needs of those we serve. I remain dedicated to ensuring our schools adapt with integrity and continue to meet the challenges of future generations.

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

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, transparency, and accountability. These principles foster trust between the official and the community they serve. Integrity ensures that decisions are made with honesty and in alignment with ethical standards, while transparency in governance guarantees that processes remain open and accessible, allowing the public to be informed and engaged.

Accountability is also key, ensuring that officials are responsible for the outcomes of their decisions and responsive to the needs and concerns of the community. Beyond these, a commitment to community engagement is crucial. Elected officials must listen deeply, respect diverse perspectives, and work collaboratively to ensure that policies and decisions reflect the values and priorities of those they represent.

Adaptability and forward-thinking leadership are also essential. Officials must be willing to evolve with changing times, embrace new ideas, and remain committed to addressing both current challenges and future needs. Ultimately, an elected official should be dedicated to serving their community with compassion, fairness, and a long-term vision for sustainable growth and improvement.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for a school board trustee are to ensure that the district provides high-quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community engagement. A trustee must advocate for policies that support student achievement and equity, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

A key responsibility is to oversee the district’s budget, ensuring that expenditures reflect community values and priorities, and that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Trustees must also uphold transparency by adhering to open meeting laws, ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and inclusive.

Another critical duty is fostering meaningful engagement with stakeholders—including students, families, educators, and community members. This requires listening to diverse perspectives and incorporating that feedback into policy decisions. Finally, trustees must stay informed about changes in education policy, advocate for what is best for the district, and ensure that the district adapts to evolving educational challenges while preserving its commitment to integrity and equity.

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

My first job after college was hotel Room Service Manager, a role I held for just over a year. I had recently completed an internship at Walt Disney World. The job taught me a great deal about managing teams, operations, and customer service in a fast-paced environment, setting the stage for my future roles.

Afterward, I moved into restaurant management, where I honed my leadership and organizational skills. This experience led me to hotel sales and, eventually, sales positions in convention and visitors bureaus in Pasadena and Philadelphia, where I promoted these cities as destinations for national associations. My work in the tourism sector required a deep understanding of client needs and project management, but over time, I found myself gravitating more toward community-focused work.

This shift led me to co-found two initiatives in Santa Rosa: the ShareExchange, a coworking space, and the Made Local Marketplace, which supported locally owned businesses. My passion for supporting local communities and fostering sustainability became a driving force in my professional life.

My involvement in education grew when I became a trustee for the Sebastopol Union School District, a position I held for 10 years, including terms as President. During this time, I learned best practices in transparency, fiscal responsibility, and meaningful engagement through collaboration with fellow trustees, administrators, and professional development workshops. These experiences shaped my understanding of governance and effective community leadership.

Today, I continue advocating for these principles as a trustee for the WSCUHSD and as a Field Representative for 5th District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. I encourage students to stay open to new opportunities, just as I did, knowing that every job and experience adds value to their journey. My career path has been an evolving one, and it has led me to discover my passions for education and community service.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Supporting the diverse needs of our district’s students, faculty, staff, and community requires a commitment to equity, active listening, and collaboration. First, I believe in creating policies that ensure all students, regardless of their background, have access to the resources they need to succeed. This includes addressing disparities in academic achievement, mental health support, and extracurricular opportunities.

For faculty and staff, I would advocate for ongoing professional development, fair compensation, and a supportive work environment that values their expertise and well-being. I understand that a healthy, motivated staff is critical to student success and fostering a positive school climate.

To truly serve our community, I would continue to promote transparency and engagement through open dialogue. By creating platforms where all voices—especially those historically underrepresented—are heard, we can shape policies that reflect our community’s values and priorities. My goal is to create a district that is responsive to the unique needs of each group and committed to continuous improvement.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

One area where I see a need for curriculum expansion is in providing advanced technical training and work-based learning opportunities. As the job market evolves, it is crucial that we prepare students with both academic knowledge and practical skills. This year, we are launching an exciting dual enrollment program in partnership with Santa Rosa Junior College, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. For example, our agriculture courses are now dual-enrolled, and we plan to expand this to other subjects like computer science and engineering. This initiative not only reduces the time and cost of college, but also gives students a valuable head start on their post-secondary aspirations.

Additionally, we are introducing a work-based learning program, offering internships with local businesses and community organizations. Paired with Santa Rosa Junior College courses, students will gain hands-on experience while earning college credits. Data shows that students who participate in work-based learning opportunities find school more engaging and report feeling better prepared for their futures.

By expanding these innovative programs, we are ensuring our students have access to the skills and experiences that will help them succeed, whether they choose to enter the workforce or pursue further education. These efforts reflect our district’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our students and preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

For this very local election, I’m prioritizing personal endorsements and not seeking organizational endorsements. Our neighbors offer unique perspectives & I encourage voters to reach out to me or any of the folks listed to learn more about my priorities, qualifications, or strategies. Please visit the link below to view the long list of elected officials, teachers, school staff, and community members who have endorsed me.

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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