Lawn signs available:

My name is Valerie Magdaleno and I am running for Santa Ana School Board, Area 2

I am a lifelong resident of Santa Ana, California, and a proud product of Santa Ana Unified School District, having attended Lowell Elementary, Mendez Intermediate, and Santa Ana High School.

Please read on to learn more about me, my campaign, my vision for SAUSD, and my endorsements!

Follow my campaign:

Valerie Magdaleno smiling in front of a blurry school background.

My name is Valerie Magdaleno and I am running for Santa Ana School Board, Area 2.

I am a lifelong resident of Santa Ana, California, and proud product of Santa Ana Unified School District, having attended Lowell Elementary, Mendez Intermediate, and Santa Ana High School.

Please read on to learn more about me, my campaign, my vision for SAUSD, and my endorsements!

Follow my campaign:

About My Campaign

I am running for Santa Ana School Board Area 2 because I believe our students deserve an education system that empowers them to reach their greatest potential and become future leaders in our community. Schools are the heart of our neighborhoods, and SAUSD’s biggest challenge is declining enrollment. I believe in addressing this by creating community schools, which have successfully reversed declining enrollment in districts across the country. If we can reverse this trend, we can direct more resources to our students, allowing us to reduce class sizes and improve staffing. 

I am committed to shaping policy collaboratively with parents, educators, classified staff, and students to address this issue. My goal as a board member is to ensure every student has equitable access to a safe learning environment that prepares them for a successful life beyond the classroom. This means investing in community schools, maximizing district facilities to provide wraparound services, maintaining low-class sizes, expanding the use of technology, and supporting special education. I believe this holistic approach will not only strengthen our schools but also attract more families to enroll in SAUSD.

Committed to Supporting Our Students

Icon showing a school house.

Prioritize community schools

to provide comprehensive support services, addressing students’ academic, emotional, and social needs for their success.

 

Icon showing a piece of paper with a dollar sign.

Ensure financial accountability and transparency

so that today’s funding is effectively invested in resources and programs that directly benefit today’s students.

 

Icon showing a teacher, student, and father.

Strengthen communication and partnerships

between SAUSD, parents, and community members to build a unified support system that enhances student outcomes.

 

Icon showing a student at a podium with a microphone.

Advocate for student representation on the board

giving students a direct voice in decisions that impact their education and school experience.

 

A group of people holding up a "Valerie Magdaleno for Santa Ana School Board" banner.

Volunteer with my campaign or request a lawn sign!

My campaign is centered around advocating for our students’ needs, driving positive change within my community, and creating equitable educational opportunities for all students. I would not be where I am today without the support of dozens of teachers, fellow students, and members of our community!

If you are interested in volunteering with my campaign or to request a yard sign, please click the respective button below. Many opportunities are available and nothing is too big or small! From posting a yard sign outside your home to canvassing to simply spreading the word to your friends and family, I appreciate and am humbled by all contributions.

About Me

I was born in Santa Ana and raised in Area 2, surrounded by a large extended family. Growing up in a working-class household where my parents juggled multiple jobs to provide for my sisters and me, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance. We were always involved in afterschool programs and extracurricular activities, and it was through these experiences that I first began to see the strength of our community, and how we all came together to support one another. My upbringing in Area 2 shaped who I am today and sparked my passion for giving back to my community. 

As a first-generation Latina, I understood the importance of education early on and was determined to be the first in my family to pursue higher education. Thanks to the foundation I received from SAUSD, I earned both my Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree. I am running for school board because I want to inspire our students to see education as a powerful tool that can unlock their potential and open doors to success.

Currently, I serve as Co-President of my neighborhood association, where I work closely with local schools to bring vital city resources into the community. We partner with code enforcement, parks and recreation, the police department, the Rent Stabilization team, and other services, ensuring our neighbors have access to the information and support they need.

I am deeply committed to serving the same community where my family and I grew up and continue to live. Area 2 is my home, and I will work tirelessly to uplift and support it for generations to come.

If you are interested in volunteering with my campaign or to request a yard sign, please click the respective button below. Many opportunities are available and nothing is too big or small! From posting a yard sign outside your home to canvassing to simply spreading the word to your friends and family, I appreciate and am humbled by all contributions.

Endorsements

I am proud and honored to be endorsed by the following organizations and community officials:

Orange County Board of Supervisors

Portrait of OC Board of Supervisors District 2 Supervisor, Vicente Sarmiento.

Supervisor: District 2

Vicente Sarmiento

Orange County Young Democrats

Orange County Young Democrats general endorsement badge.

Chispa

Chispa logo.

Women in Leadership

Women in Leadership endorsement logo.

California Young Democrats

California Young Democrats logo.

California Working Families Party

California Working Families Party logo.

OC Action

OC Action Logo.

Santa Ana City Council Majority

Santa Ana Ward 1 Councilmember, Thai Viet Phan.

Mayor Pro Tem

Thai Viet Phan

Santa Ana Ward 2 Councilmember, Benjamin Vazquez.

Councilmember: Ward 2

Benjamin Vazquez

Santa Ana Ward 3 Councilmember, Jessie Lopez.

Councilmember: Ward 3

Jessie Lopez

Santa Ana Ward 5 Councilmember, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez.

Councilmember: Ward 5

Johnathan Hernandez

Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education Majority

Portrait of SAUSD Area 1 trustee, Dr. Rigo Rodriguez.

Trustee, Area 1

Dr. Rigo Rodriguez

Portrait of SAUSD Area 2 trustee, Carolyn Torres.

Trustee, Area 2

Carolyn Torres

Portrait of SAUSD Area 3 trustee, Dr. Alfonso Alvarez.

Trustee, Area 3

Dr. Alfonso Alvarez

Portrait of SAUSD Area 5 trustee, Hector Bustos.

Trustee, Area 5

Hector Bustos

Contact Me

My goal as a School Board Trustee is to be transparent, build connections with parents and the community, and address concerns openly and honestly. Please do not hesitate to fill out the form below to contact me and I would be happy to answer any questions!

Paid for by Valerie Magdaleno for Santa Ana School Board, FPPC ID #1471777