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New and returning Perris Union trustees share personal stories in life‑map exercise
Summary
During a professional‑learning exercise trustees described childhoods, careers and motivations for serving; speakers cited personal encounters with special education, union work and community service as reasons they sought office.
Trustees and several cabinet members used a facilitated "life map" exercise at Saturday’s study session to introduce themselves and explain why they sought office, giving the board more personal context before policy work begins.
Several trustees framed their service in terms of lived experience. "I had triplets," one trustee said while describing an abrupt change that led to focus on family and community; Mr. Garcia described growing up in South Los Angeles and later forming a commitment to students after joining a union and becoming a coach. Another trustee cited experience with a child identified for special education services as both a catalyst for public service and an example of the district processes they want to improve.
Why it matters: Trustees said sharing personal histories builds trust and helps the board see how individual members’ priorities connect to district policy, program choices and equity work. Several trustees highlighted the importance of reading and early interventions, special education services, and practical supports for families.
What trustees said and asked: the session included reflections on poverty, bilingual households, and career pathways (teaching, law enforcement, and union leadership). A member asked how to move ideas from conversation to implementation; the presenter advised submitting items to the superintendent’s office for feasibility study and LCAP consideration. "Let the staff assess and analyze, put it in LCAP, fund it, measure it, and hold the overall system accountable," the presenter said during that exchange.
What’s next: The life‑map exercise concluded with trustees agreeing to continue governance training and to use personal narratives to guide priorities at the December 12 workshop.
