Candidates of various backgrounds vie for 3 open Stockton Unified seats

Nine candidates are vying for a chance to sit on the dais of Stockton Unified School District’s governing board. 

There are three open seats up for grabs this election season in a unique situation where none of them have an incumbent running.

Trustees Cecilia Mendez (Area 1), who joined the SUSD Board of Education in 2016 and served as its president through part of the COVID-19 pandemic, will term out this December, Alicia Rico (Area 3) and Ray Zulueta (Area 4) have decided not to run for a second term. The seven-member board has a two-term limit.

These trustees’ departure marks the last of those members on the school board who voted to approve a multimillion-dollar contract using federal COVID-19 funds to purchase ultraviolet light air purification units that was awarded through what state auditors later described as a flawed if not illegal process during an investigation that found evidence of fraud in district’s business practices.  

With the November election just about 10 days out, here’s a look at who’s running to represent these embattled and often controversial trustees.

Area 1

Program policy manager for Public Health Advocates Isabel Perez is competing against real estate agent Anthony Wofford to represent Area 1, which comprises Huerta, Marshall, McKinley, San Joaquin, Taft Elementary Schools as well as Edison High School and Taylor Leadership Academy.

If elected in November, Perez says she will prioritize equity, preparedness and the well-being of students at Stockton Unified. In a forum hosted by Fat City Feed,   Perez said she is also seeking to improve campus safety through collaboration with local law enforcement, parents and students.

Anthony Wofford did not respond to a request for comment. Stocktonia was unable to locate a campaign website for the candidate.

Area 3

Maximiliano Beas, a community organizer and fundraiser, is competing against youth coach Frank Silva to represent Elmwood, Fillmore, Henry, King and Rosevelt Elementary Schools as well as  Franklin High School, Health Careers Academy and Pittman Charter School for Area 3.

Beas says he sees himself building bridges among staff, parents and students in Stockton Unified to help bring about safe schools, with an emphasis on exclusivity and support for the mental health needs of the youth. Beas is also focusing on providing post-high school funding to students pursuing higher education.

Silva is a longtime Banta Elementary School District trustee in Tracy serving as Banta’s trustee for 24 years. Silva previously ran for Area 3 trustee in Stockton Unified in 2020, coming in fourth. Frank Silva did not respond to a request for comment nor could Stocktonia find a camping website for the candidate.

Area 4

Trustee Area 4 is the largest of the three races this year, with five candidates aiming to represent the schools of El Dorado, Hoover, Madison, Commodore Stockton Skills and Victory Elementary Schools in addition to Primary Years Academy, Stockton School for Adults.

Stockton mother Stefanie Alfaro is campaigning on the issues of student safety and accessibility in Area 4, saying she will work to increase the number of sidewalks around schools.

Educational Consultant and University of the Pacific alumnus, Gwendolyn Dailey, is focusing on equity gaps amongst students with the goal to better prepare them for college and career readiness upon graduation. Dailey received a doctorate in education from the University of the Pacific and is the president of the Dome of Hope nonprofit organization.

Lodi Unified Parklane Elementary School Vice Principal Shauna Priest is campaigning to bring equity, community and accountability to Stockton Unified. Priest says she is an advocate for teachers’ rights and ensuring all students have equitable opportunities at school.

Stockton parent and IT Director Thaddeus Smith III seeks to bring transparency and accountability to SUSD, calling the board synonymous with corruption. Smith seeks to implement district-wide goals for cultural affirmation in the school system and expand post-secondary educational opportunities for students.

Douglas I. Vigil, an ALS teacher and disabilities advocate, is the final candidate for the race for Trustee Area 4. Vigil served as San Joaquin County Area 3 trustee from December 2020 until resigning from his post on July 18, 2024. Vigil previously ran for SUSD Trustee Area 4 in 2016.