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Jurupa Unified holds public interviews for Trustee Area 3; candidates emphasize mental health, college pathways and CTE
Summary
Eight applicants for the vacant Trustee Area 3 seat gave two-minute introductions and answered four standard questions in public interviews. Applicants highlighted student mental-health supports, helping families navigate college requirements, career-technical education and governance vs. management roles.
Jurupa Unified School District held public interviews March 17 for eight applicants seeking a provisional appointment to the vacant Trustee Area 3 seat. The board asked each applicant the same four questions and allowed three minutes per answer as part of a public selection process.
Applicants raised several recurring themes. Francisco Cueto, who was later appointed, emphasized helping families access resources and pointed to the districts dual-immersion (DI) program as a strength. "Im here for the students," Cueto said during his introduction.
An applicant identified as Ms. Torres, an emergency-room nurse, urged the board to address student mental health, describing frequent ER encounters with youth in crisis and urging school-based supports. "Every week we get, like, at least five that we have to put them on hold because they try to commit suicide," she said.
Lisette Silva, a small-business owner and product of the district, highlighted family engagement, school wellness centers and balancing college, career and technical pathways: "My goal is to listen, collaborate, and help make thoughtful decisions that keep students at the center of everything we do," she told trustees.
Other applicants emphasized different district priorities: Martha Parvares Carrasco urged outreach to help students meet A–G requirements so they keep four-year college options open; Tyler Byrne stressed the boards governance role and urged continued support for Career and Technical Education (CTE); Emmanuel Suarez described his background caring for an autistic son and said parents must be central advocates in special-education matters.
Community members also addressed the board during public comment, offering endorsements for several applicants and urging trustees to consider candidates with strong local ties and commitment to students.
The public interview format required applicants to wait outside the boardroom until called to maintain fairness; the board then nominated three finalists to proceed to the selection round and later voted to provisionally appoint Francisco Cueto.
