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Linda Chavez
Linda Chavez is a member of the Alum Rock Union School District school board in California. She assumed office in 2019. Her current term ends on December 11, 2026.
Chavez ran for re-election to the Alum Rock Union School District school board in California. She won in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Biography
Chavez is a retired business owner. She was the owner of Chavez Jewelry Design for 35 years.[1]
Elections
2022
See also: Alum Rock Union School District, California, elections (2022)
General election
General election for Alum Rock Union School District school board (3 seats)
Incumbent Minh Pham, incumbent Linda Chavez, and incumbent Andres Quintero defeated Ricardo Garcia and Joe Corona in the general election for Alum Rock Union School District school board on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Minh Pham (Nonpartisan) | 24.8 | 9,377 | |
| ✔ |  | Linda Chavez (Nonpartisan) | 24.3 | 9,206 |
| ✔ |  | Andres Quintero (Nonpartisan) | 21.7 | 8,203 |
| Ricardo Garcia (Nonpartisan) | 19.9 | 7,531 | ||
| Joe Corona (Nonpartisan) | 9.2 | 3,494 | ||
| Total votes: 37,811 | |||
 = 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. | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for Alum Rock Union School District school board (3 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Alum Rock Union School District school board on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Andres Quintero (Nonpartisan) | 19.0 | 8,740 |
| ✔ | | Linda Chavez (Nonpartisan) | 13.3 | 6,089 |
| ✔ |  | Ernesto Bejarano (Nonpartisan) | 13.0 | 5,952 |
 | Raymond Mueller (Nonpartisan) | 12.0 | 5,505 | |
 | Khanh Tran (Nonpartisan) | 11.8 | 5,425 | |
| Esau Herrera (Nonpartisan) | 11.1 | 5,104 | ||
| Brenda Zendejas (Nonpartisan) | 10.6 | 4,868 | ||
 | Bruce Huynh (Nonpartisan) | 9.1 | 4,197 | |
| Total votes: 45,880 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Linda Chavez did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Linda Chavez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Chavez's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
My top three priorities if elected would be 1. Improve the pathways for education. 2. Mastering the English language: 85 percent of the students are ELL students (English is not their native language Students that are learning to speak English are often referred to as ESL or ELL students.) 3. Develop the Students character; teach to the whole child by developing critical thinking skills, analytical skills, social skills and self-discipline. Discipline has been proven to take one further than intelligence.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I'm passionate about Education because education is a gateway to opportunity. Through Education one learns to think creatively and critically opening up and expanding opportunities. Great attention must be given to Education I will be working toward the Students future and family success.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Jesus, is my Hero, my Lord and Savior. He is a Leader, kind and loving. I would like to emulate his character. Jesus is God. God blesses us so we can bless others. Eph. 4:28
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I have a book in mind, its an amazing book. Its full of characters, stories, life lessons it's the most educational book I've ever read. It's the best selling book of all times translated in every language there is. It's Gods word, the name of the book is called The Bible. It teaches one to recognize and discern the difference between good and bad. The Bible is your guide book. I try to reflect my life on Gods teachings.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Leadership and honesty, integrity moral character are qualities that are most important to be a elected official.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I work good with other people. I ask questions and listen. I look at the pros and cons and I study all the facts before voting on an issue. And I will take all the training available and professional development as well as commit the time and energy pertaining to the office that I will hold.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
I believe one has to ensure that there is enough resources available to offer a high quality education to every Student.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I was a good and responsible Trustee and did what was right for the children's future.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The assassination of John F, Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Its was the day of my 3rd birthday.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
At twelve years old my first job was a server, at my Mother Restaurant.
What happened on your most awkward date?
My most awkward date was when I first met my husband.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday, because that is the day my family gathers to give thanks to our Lord.
What is your favorite book? Why?
My favorite book is the Bible, the reason why is because I get to spend time with God.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
I would want to be the Good Samaritan.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
The kitchen stove because it enables me to cook the meals for my loved ones, pray for our blessings and spend time sharing our lives. Laughing, crying, giving guidance & seeking guidance all while sharing our love with one another. I receive this all by first cranking up the kitchen stove.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
I can only imagine is the song by the group called, MERCYME
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
I have none.
What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?
To reach consensus on the Board that will benefit the children's Education.
Who are your constituents?
The parents of the Alum Rock Students and the Community.
How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?
Hire the most qualified Teachers and ensure everyone learns English.
How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?
I will build relationships by facilitating meetings with the Parents groups, classroom Teachers and Principals.
What will you do to build a better relationship with parents in the district? What plans do you have to be inclusive of parental involvement?
I will build trust in our Community. By facilitating meetings and if the Parents can't come to me, I'll go to them. I will meet them where their at. To listen to their concerns and get their perspective, to build credibility and trust which are foundations to evoke confidence and respect. I will then have the knowledge of the Parents concerns and needs for their Student, to better serve effectively & efficiently the needs of the Students.
Do you believe it is important to intentionally recruit with the aim of diversifying the district’s faculty, staff, and administration? If so, what would be your policy to achieve this?
I believe the best most qualified person for the job should get hired, not based on their ethnicity.
What issues get in the way of quality education? How would you address these obstacles?
The Educational system has lowered the standards or the bar therefore denying the Students a quality education. Lack of Parent involvement is a problem, student absenteeism, tardiness and student disrespect for teachers. Parents are the role models for the students, the students should come to school willing and eager to learn. Certain skills should be taught to children before entering school such as good character, social skills and self discipline. The Parents need to learn English. Most of the non-English speaking Parents don't believe or value a higher education.
What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?
What constitutes good teaching is, if the Students are learning and are performing at grade level. It's measured by, if all the Students in the classroom attained grade level or above grade level. If there are students with special needs, or ESL learners, or advanced students they also need special instructors so that you don't interrupt the instructions of the classroom teacher, to keep the learning moving forward. For the advanced learners you need to teach to them more advanced studies, high quality curriculum so not to keep them down, or from reaching their full potential. To the special needs, you need a special eds teacher to work one on one. And the English language learner, also need special instruction. Instead of making the one classroom teacher earn several certificates. You have to hire qualified special ed teachers for each subgroup. So you don't burnout your Teacher.
What type of skills should students be learning for success in the 21st century?
The skills that the student should possess in the 21st century are:
- Critical & creative thinking.
- Social skills, communication & collaboration.
- Analytical thinking and Innovation.
- Good character, ethics, accountability & integrity
How might you improve the value of a high school diploma? What should a 21st century diploma reflect?
Their lowering the standards for a high school diploma! They have to improve the quality of Education. The diploma should reflect that the Graduate is prepared to choose his career path whether it's furthering ones studies in college or a trade, and be able to achieve success.
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?
That is exactly what I've been saying for years, that the schools should offer technical training or apprenticeship programs. As well as ask local unions to come to the school to ensure that the future work force is properly guided and mentored. Establish with the business community a mentorship program. Teach the students what programs or careers are being developed so when they do graduate they will have basic knowledge, or know what path to choose for an opportunity to seek employment.
What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?
Have the kids write letters in their handwriting with pictures showing what is needed and if they could contribute in anyway. Then invite the contributors to an event celebrating the kindness of the donors and once you have them there invite them to pledge more money to help the kids. By inviting them to join in on helping the schools in their community. By asking local communities, individuals, businesses, corporations unions, alumni to donate to the Education of the kids, you make the community aware that there is a need. And that the schools need help. People are basically good and they want to help. Updates and a website for fundraising should be implemented and updated continually. People love raffles, the locals have skills they can donate there money, time or there job skills to helping out. Ask local Restaurants to cater or help with some of the catering for the event. Advertise businesses on the website you can have people pay to be on the website, there is so many creative ways to raise money. Have the people advocate for education at the state and local levels the government could give more tax incentives for the ones that donate to Education. Making it a win-win situation for all. Once you have more people on board you can advocate to local, State and Federal Politicians. Ask your State Representive to write a bill advocating for Education and giving tax incentives to those who do. Then get it on the ballot for the voters to vote for Education. Hire grant writers who would be paid strictly on commission so there's no out of pocket cost, to raise money. Hold and sell tickets for raffles, bingo, carnivals, cakewalks, bbq contests anything to help raise money. Take fundraising to a whole new level. Get the kids and the parents all involved because everyone will be working towards a common goal and that will unite everyone.
What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?
I believe everyone has a need and a right to feel safe in any environment.
How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?
I would support the mental health needs first by evaluating the person, the situation, then the environment asking them questions and listening to them and their needs. If they want support them ask them how they want and need the support. Create a climate and or environment that will help support the person in need. If a Professional doctor is needed then act quickly to get the person the help they need. Do a follow up. Monitoring the person periodically. Try to prevent a crisis if possible.
What role do you imagine technology playing in (and outside) the classroom in the future? How would you prepare the district for this?
I imagine the students will be taught by computers, Ipads, notebooks, drones & phones.
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.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
Every person everywhere has the right to freedom of thought. What I hope to achieve is that our school district to do better. Our students deserve a brighter future and our taxpayers deserve a better return on their greatest investment. I chose to run for office because the current board members have lost focus on the students education and the district is doing poorly. Its one of the lowest performing schools in California. I will ensure that learning and achievement is the primary focus. Is there anything you would like to add? My motivation for serving on the Alum Rock Schoolboard is my desire to help all Alum Rock students achieve the American dream. I have the time and willingness to put the students’ needs before my own and make their education the center of my life. I will vote for what is best for the students, rather than for personal interest. I’m driven toward one major goal: Do what is right for the children! My strategy as a board member will be to identify common goals and pass effective policies for the students that will improve the quality of education. Though my mother was an immigrant and didn’t speak English, she was able to enroll me in quality K-12 schools. Without the foundation of my K-12 education, I could not have achieved a successful 35 year career as a business owner. From that experience, I learned that the key to our community’s success is quality K-12 schools. We must demand education that will lead to college for all our students and give them a broader range of career opportunities in adulthood. Vote Linda Chavez so I can serve your Alum Rock Students! www.lindachavez2018.com[2] |
” |
| —Linda Chavez[1][3] | ||
See also
2022 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on October 23, 2018
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's Elections Team, “Email communication with Linda Chavez," October 25, 2018
