A Community Leader

I’m a proud daughter of immigrants, born and raised in the Coachella Valley. As an English language learner, first-generation college graduate, and proud product of local public schools, I  have first-hand knowledge of challenges our students face. I’ve dedicated the last 15 years to support the community and students of the Eastern Coachella Valley.

My personal and educational experience ignites my passion for culturally relevant curriculums, and creating opportunities for student success, equity, and access. After completing my bachelor’s  at UCLA, and master’s in Education at Loyola Marymount University, I knew that I needed to come back to my community

I am deeply committed to creating pathways for first-generation youth to pursue higher education and professions that will lead to a living wage. As a classified employee working in K-12, community college and non-profits, I have experience collaborating with decision makers to advocate for the needs of students. I stand ready to address the challenges faced by our district, including fiscal stability, continue supporting mental health resources, and student achievement. 

I ask for your vote to serve as Coachella Valley Unified School Board Member for Trustee Area 4. 

Imperial County Special Election UPDATE

Imperial County Registrar of Voters will be holding a Special Election on March 4th, 2025.

How did we get here?

On October 30th, residents in Imperial County mentioned raised the issue that their ballots did not include CVUSD candidates.

We contacted the Imperial County Registrar of Voters to verify the information provided by residents and to alert Imperial County Registrar of Voters of resident concerns.

Over the weekend Imperial County Registrar of Voters confirmed that a mistake was made on the printed ballots impacting nearly 2,400 residents that live within the CVUSD district boundaries.

On November 4th CVUSD held a Special Meeting to discuss the issue. CVUSD staff followed the same reporting procedure

On the evening of November 5th, Imperial County Registrar legal team notified candidates that a Temporary Restraining Order on the Riverside County election results had been authorized by a judge.

After several court hearings, Imperial County Registrar of Voters proposed to hold a special election with a timeline. Riverside County judge has approved for a special election to held on March 4th 2025 in Imperial County. Both Riverside and Imperial County election results will be certified by March 13th.

Residents in Imperial County will be able to exercise their right to vote by mail by March 4th, we hope that we can continue to count on your support.

For questions feel free to contact us at jocelynvargasforcvusd@gmail.com

Experience

Coachella Valley Unified School District need leaders with a wide range of skills, knowledge and experiences. As a long-time educator, non-profit director, and community organizer I have the professional experience and skills that are critical to move our district forward:

  • First generation student

  • English Learner

  • Born and raised in the Coachella Valley

  • 20 years in education

  • Former classified employee in k-12 and Community College

  • Experience as a former Special Education Instructional Assistant

  • Current Director supporting students with basic needs and student empowerment

  • Experience grant writing, grant compliance, and economic development

  • 20 years working to empower youth and parents

  • 14 years working in the eastern Coachella Valley

  • Worked with parents to address school to prison pipeline

  • Built capacity for parents to engage in LCAP

  • Organized to address the school to prison pipeline

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chicana/o Studies, minor in Latin American Studies and Education from UCLA

  • Masters’s degree in Biliteracy, Leadership and Intercultural Education from Loyola Marymount University

  • Current Ed.D. student working on doctoral degree in higher education, Kansas State University

priorities

The last four years we’ve made significant progress to improve accountability, transparency and address some of the most pressing issues faced by our district.

  • Priorities

    • 1. Mental health-continue to support access to mental health services

    • 2. Student achievement-provide students with different career options that will provide them the skills to pursue thriving wage jobs

    • 3. Transparency and Accountability-Strengthening our policies and procedures to ensure transparency, fiscal stability and accountability.

  • Budget management: 1. Planning and strategic decision making, 2. Updating our processes to have up to date live information, 3. Transparency on the LCAP

  • Safety: 1. Identifying strategies that address the root cause of our safety challenges including basic needs, 2. Strategies that don’t reinforce the school to prison pipeline

  • Teacher Support: 1. Professional development, 2. Opportunities for growth, 3. Continued competitive salaries

  • Mental Health: 1. Continue supporting health and wellness centers and partnerships to increase access, 2. Efforts to de stigmatize mental health.

Endorsements

  • Desert Sun Editorial Board

  • Joey Acuña, Vice President Coachella Valley Unified School District 

  • Christy Holstege, Council Member, City of Palm Springs 

  • Dr. Edwin Gomez, Superintendent, Riverside County Office of Education 

  • Maria Machuca, Ret. Board Member, Coachella Valley Unified School District

  • Elizabeth Romero, President, Riverside County Office of Education

  • Oscar Ortiz, Council Member, City of Indio 

  • Leticia De Lara, Director, Desert Healthcare District 

  • Oscar Fonseca, Planning Commissioner, City of Coachella

  • John Gerardi, Board Member, Palm Springs Unified School District 

  • Neil Lingle, Ret. Board Member, Desert Sands Unified School District

  • Riverside County Democratic Party 

  • Inland Empire Labor Council 

  • Black Young Dems of the IE 

  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest 

  • Riverside County Young Democrats

  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 440 

  • Democratic Women of the Desert

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Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
jocelynvargasforcvusd@gmail.com


Phone
(760)428.8763