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Joseph Aquino
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Joseph Aquino ran for election to the Fresno Unified Board of Education to represent Trustee Area 2 in California. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Aquino completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Joseph Aquino was born in Fresno, California. He earned a high school diploma from Hoover High School. His career experience includes working as an advocate.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Fresno Unified School District, California, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Fresno Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 2
Incumbent Elizabeth Jonasson-Rosas defeated Joseph Aquino in the general election for Fresno Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Elizabeth Jonasson-Rosas (Nonpartisan) | 67.8 | 5,296 | |
 | Joseph Aquino (Nonpartisan)  | 32.2 | 2,520 | |
| Total votes: 7,816 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Aquino in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Joseph Aquino completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Aquino's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Joseph Aquino, a Fresno native, first-generation college student, and passionate advocate for our community. I’ve spent my entire life in Fresno, attending and graduating from Fresno Unified schools, and am now studying political science at Fresno State University. I’ve served as a Student Board Member on Fresno Unified’s Board of Education, representing over 72,000 students, and working on initiatives to improve mental health support, increase scholarship awareness, and enhance student success.
In addition to my board experience, I’ve worked as a teacher’s aide for three years, assisting 1st-3rd grade students, and collaborated with the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools to bring important resources to our students. For years, my only client has been the students of Fresno Unified, and I’m running for School Board to ensure that the underserved students in the Roosevelt area get the resources and opportunities they deserve.
- Mental Health in Education: I believe mental health is foundational to student success. If students aren’t emotionally and mentally supported, their academic performance suffers. I’ve worked on mental health initiatives through the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools, and I’m committed to advocating for more funding, on-campus counselors, and district-wide programs that prioritize students' mental well-being. Addressing mental health challenges in schools is essential to creating an environment where every student can thrive.
- Educational Equity and Academic Performance: The disparity in academic performance, especially in the Roosevelt area, is alarming. I am deeply passionate about increasing math and literacy scores, especially in underperforming areas like Area 2. I support implementing evidence-based educational programs and smaller class sizes to ensure students receive the attention they need to succeed. I want to close the achievement gap and make sure no student is left behind.
- Support for English Language Learners (ELLs): English language learners are often at a disadvantage in public education, facing barriers that hinder their academic progress. I am passionate about increasing support for ELL students through tailored programs, mentorship, and bilingual resources. Raising the graduation rates of ELLs is a top priority, and I believe that with the right resources, every student can succeed regardless of their language background.
I am passionate about improving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), student safety, and academic performance in Fresno Unified. I advocate for inclusive environments that reflect our diverse community and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students through stronger anti-bullying policies. Raising math and literacy performance, particularly in the underserved Roosevelt area, is essential, as is increasing support for English Language Learners and special education students. I’m committed to securing more resources and funding to help every student thrive. These priorities guide our mission to make Fresno Unified schools more equitable, safe, and supportive for all students.
I’d recommend Michelle Obama’s Becoming. It reflects the importance of perseverance, empathy, and inclusivity in leadership—values central to my political philosophy.
Integrity, transparency, and empathy are essential for an elected official. They must be accountable to their community, make decisions with honesty and fairness, and listen to diverse perspectives. An effective official is also dedicated to inclusivity and equity, ensuring every voice is represented.
The qualities that I believe will make me a successful officeholder include my youth, my ability to represent diversity, and the fresh perspective I bring. As a young candidate, I understand the current challenges students face because I’ve experienced them firsthand. My age gives me a unique connection to students, allowing me to be a true advocate for their needs. I also represent diversity, both as a first-generation college student and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which helps me relate to and stand up for the underrepresented voices in Fresno Unified. Additionally, I bring a new, dynamic voice to the table—one that is ready to challenge the status quo and push for change that truly benefits students and the community. My focus is on inclusivity, equity, and modern solutions, which are critical for addressing the needs of today’s students.
The core responsibilities include setting educational policies, ensuring schools have the resources they need, and making decisions that prioritize the well-being and academic success of students. A school board member must also advocate for transparency and accountability in the administration’s use of funds.
A school board member’s primary job is to advocate for students and their success. This involves making informed decisions on policies, resources, and programs that improve academic outcomes and ensure safe, supportive learning environments. As well as hiring and firing a school district Superintendent and overseeing the district's financial budget.
My constituents include the students, parents, faculty, and staff of the Fresno Unified School District’s Area 2, as well as the broader Roosevelt community.
I will promote inclusive policies that reflect the diversity of the district, from culturally responsive teaching to ensuring that mental health and special education resources are accessible. By listening to the concerns of students, parents, and staff, I will ensure that every group feels supported and heard.
I will engage with parents and teachers, labor unions, and local organizations like the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools. Building relationships with grassroots community groups and nonprofit organizations that focus on student success will be essential to understanding and addressing community concerns.
Good teaching combines subject mastery with the ability to engage and inspire students. It involves fostering critical thinking, inclusivity, and creativity. I will measure this through student outcomes, peer evaluations, and classroom observations. Supporting professional development and advanced teaching methods, such as project-based learning, will be key.
I’d like to expand technical training, apprenticeships, and STEM programs to prepare students for modern career opportunities. Partnering with local businesses and labor unions for internships and job training programs would provide practical skills and experience, giving students a head start in their careers.
I would advocate for maximizing state and federal funding by pursuing grants, bonds, and partnerships. I also believe in transparency and ensuring that funds are spent effectively on programs that directly benefit students, such as academic performance initiatives, infrastructure, and mental health services.
Safety policies should prioritize physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This includes maintaining secure campuses, addressing bullying, and ensuring that mental health resources are available. I believe in proactive, preventative measures and creating supportive environments for all students.
I will advocate for increased funding for on-campus counselors, more accessible mental health programs, and professional development for staff to better identify and support students struggling with mental health issues. Addressing mental health holistically ensures that both students and staff feel supported.
I would push for policies that increase mental health resources, improve special education services, and ensure greater transparency in the district’s financial decisions. Expanding programs for English Language Learners and fostering stronger partnerships between the community and schools would also be priorities.
An ideal learning environment is one where every student feels safe, supported, and inspired. It includes small class sizes, culturally responsive teaching, mental health resources, and access to advanced technologies and programs that cater to both academic and creative learning.
Fresno Unified faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, but there were shortcomings in digital access and mental health support. In the future, I would ensure that there are robust plans for remote learning, equitable technology distribution, and ongoing mental health resources for students and staff during crises.
I will hold regular town hall meetings, engage through social media, and create a parent advisory council to provide direct input. Building a strong, transparent communication channel with parents is key to fostering collaboration and trust.
I believe in competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment to attract top talent. I will also push for recruitment strategies that prioritize diversity, reflecting the student body and community.
Financial transparency is critical to building trust with the public. Government entities, including school districts, must be open about how funds are allocated and spent, ensuring money is directed toward the highest-priority needs, especially student outcomes. Accountability ensures that decisions benefit the community and not personal interests.
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 Fresno Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 2 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024
