NewsroomThe latest CSBA news, blog posts, publications, research and resources for members and the news media

California School Boards Association Chooses Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez as New President-elect

Cruz-Gonzalez is joined on the Executive Committee by La Mesa-Spring Valley Trustee Emma Turner as President and Cajon Union School District Trustee Tamara Otero as the new Vice President

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (January 9, 2019) -- Azusa Unified School District Board of Education President Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez has been chosen as President-elect of the California School Boards Association. Elected by a group of CSBA delegates from throughout the state, Cruz-Gonzalez ascends from her previous position as Vice President for the organization, which represents more than 1,000 California school districts and county offices of education.

Now in her 17th year as a school board member, Cruz-Gonzalez has been an active member of CSBA, most recently serving as the Vice President and previously serving on the CSBA Board of Directors representing the greater San Gabriel Valley. As an advocate for the state’s public education system and a committed lifelong learner, Cruz-Gonzalez has also served on CSBA’s Legislative Committee and the Council of Presidents. She completed CSBA’s Masters in Governance training in May 2015. 

“I am thrilled to have this position and to continue my advocacy work with CSBA,” Cruz-Gonzalez said. “As CSBA President-elect I am committed to championing the fight for equity and high-quality education for all of California’s 6.2 million public school students.”

In addition to her advocacy work through CSBA, Cruz-Gonzalez works for Californians Together, directing a project that supports immigrant and refugee students. Cruz-Gonzalez has also served as President of Californians Together and President of the California Latino School Boards Association. She has additionally held positions on a variety of national and state nonprofit boards, including the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Education Trust-West Allies for Equity, and Opportunity Action.

Joining Cruz-Gonzalez on the 2019 Executive Committee are CSBA President Emma Turner of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District and Vice President Tamara Otero of the Cajon Valley Union School District. Mike Walsh of the Butte County Office of Education will serve as Immediate Past President.