Tricia Gradias for FUSD School Board
Area #4
Over 35 years of experience…
I am a lifelong resident of Fillmore, a Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) graduate, and a proud FUSD Parent and Grandparent. I served as an FUSD teacher 14 years and administrator for 21 years. I feel deeply connected to the continued success of Fillmore Schools, and I have a record that shows my commitment to positive student outcomes and responsible accountability.
More about me…
I was raised by parents who were civic-minded and involved in our community of Fillmore. My father David was an immigrant from Mexico and his first goal after arriving to the United States was to learn English and become a U.S. citizen so that he could fully participate in our democracy. My dad enlisted in the army at the age of 19 and served on the front battle lines of the Korean War. My mom was the eldest of 9 children, and did not have the opportunity to finish her senior year at Fillmore High School because her father needed her to join him as a field worker so that she could pave the way for her younger siblings to finish their education. My parents’ sacrifices sparked my love for education and community engagement. I knew from an early age I wanted to become a teacher who in turn would instill a love of learning and encourage higher education opportunities for my students, many who came from families that often faced generational poverty. After a 35-year career in FUSD schools, an opportunity to run for school board presented itself in 2020, and I knew this would be one of the best ways I could continue to serve my community and the students of Fillmore after my retirement.
Experience
BA in Liberal Studies, M.A.Ed. in Education and Policy Studies with BCLAD authorization (Bilingual Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development) from Cal State Northridge University
Teacher, San Cayetano Elementary (13 Years)
Assistant Principal, Fillmore Middle School (1 Year)
Principal, Fillmore Middle School (6 Years)
Migrant Education Director, FUSD (3 Years)
Teacher, Mountian Vista Elementary (2 Years)
Principal, San Cayetano Elementary (8 Years)
My experiences have been invaluable for my work on the FUSD School Board where I have served for 4 years.
2 of those years I have served as the Board President, and I am currently in my second term as Vice-President.
Endorsements
Organizations & Associations:
Fillmore Unified Teacher Association (FUTA)
Fillmore Unified Classified Employees Union (CSEA)
Firefighters Local 5382
Gold Coast Carpenters Local 805
Ventura County Democratic Committee
Santa Clara Valley Democratic Club
Community Endorsements
Dr. Chuck Weis - CSUCI, School of Education Associate Professor, former Fillmore Unified School District Interim Co-Superintendent, Former Santa Clara County Office County Superintendent of Schools of Education, Former Ventura County Office County Superintendent of Schools
Oralia & Jorge Herrera - Business Owners, Community Members
Scott Lee - Retired Educator, Former FUSD School Board Member, Former Fillmore City Council Member, Community Member
Jan Lee - Retired School Administrator, Former Interim Principal FUSD, Community Member
Martha Hernandez - Executive Director Californians Together, Former FUSD Assistant Superintendent Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Former Director, Curriculum and Instruction VCOE Ventura County office of Education
Charice Guerra - Instructional Quality Commissioner Cal Dept of Education, Former FUSD Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Former FUSD Principal, Mt. Vista Elementary School
Aurora Valentine - CSUCI, Professor School of Arts
Jorge Andres Herrera - Professor, CSU Fullerton, Community Member
Luis Albino Herrera - Foreign Language Instructor at Fillmore High School, Community Member
Juan Pablo Herrera - Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, Moorpark Unified School District, Community Member
Christina Reyes-Villasenor - City of Fillmore Council Member, Community Member
Janice Schieferle - Former FUSD Health and Wellness Clerk, Community Member
Jamie Rodriquez - Parent, Grandparent, Community Member
Austin & Brian Peterson- Parents, Community Members
Cynthia Frutos - Director VCOE, Former FUSD Assistant Superintendent Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Tommy Frutos - Briggs Elementary School Teacher, Santa Paula Unified School District Board Trustee
Maria Baro - Principal Oxnard Elementary School District, Former FUSD Principal Piru Elementary School, Community Member
Lucy Rangel - Retired FUSD Educator, FUSD School Board Trustee
John Garnica - Former FUSD School Board Trustee, Community Member
Tony Prado - Retired MUSD Educator, Former FUSD School Board Trustee, Community Member
Estella Virgil – Community Member Piru
Joann Fore - Retired FUSD Classified Employee, Community Member Piru
Luanna Barajas Klittich - Teacher on Special Assignment FUSD, Community Member