Trustee Area 3 finalists emphasize special education, behavior supports and career readiness in interviews

Three finalists for the Moreno Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 3 seat—Jennifer Gisham, Justin Jackson and Martha Ruiz—answered the same 15 questions in a public special meeting on Feb. 25, 2026. Each candidate emphasized different district priorities while overlapping on several issues: support for special-education students, enrollment and community engagement.

Jennifer Gisham highlighted her experience as a parent of a special-education student and volunteer leader. She said the district has helped her child move from full dependence to a mix of special-day-class and general-education placements and called for more behavioral supports, earlier interventions and partnerships with local nonprofits to reduce suspensions and keep instructional aides and counselors in classrooms.

Justin Jackson emphasized AVID and CTE programs as engines of college-and-career readiness. He framed his candidacy around governance experience across levels of government and prioritized expanding digital and financial literacy and efforts to increase district enrollment.

Martha Ruiz pointed to her 21 years working in the district—most recently as a school bus driver—and said her local knowledge and commitment to community engagement would help the board understand operational challenges and the causes of declining enrollment.

All three addressed equity, LCAP implementation and capital-funding priorities such as safety and deferred maintenance. Each candidate said they intend to run for election in November 2026 if appointed.

Public commenters largely endorsed individual candidates and stressed community ties and long-term service. One public speaker urged trustees to confront declining educational outcomes despite rising per-pupil spending.

Trustees said they valued role clarity, fiscal stewardship and collaborativetemperature when selecting a provisional appointee.