Due to limited space in the paper we have only published candidates’ statements. We have posted the candidate endorsement letters online at our website www.FillmoreGazette.com.

Fillmore Unified Candidate Statements below:

Olivia Palacio,

FUSD, Area 3

My name is Olivia Palacio. I am running for re-election for the Fillmore Unified School District School Board, Area 3.
I have been married for 40 years and parent of two Fillmore High School graduates. My experience spans over 30 years in education. I have worked for Rio School District and Fillmore Unified School District. I have been a Health Clerk, Special Education Instructional Aide, and Career Center Technician.

After earning my master’s degree in counseling, I was hired by the UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program. As the FHS site representative, I assisted students planning for their post high school education, college applications, SAT prep, directed a Summer Algebra Academy, and parent workshops. I am well qualified to understand the needs of the students attending our FUSD schools.

As a current FUSD board member, I have served as Board Clerk and two years as School Board President. Striving for educational improvements, the board created strategic goals, and implemented them, which led to academic improvements:
Fillmore High School was awarded a California Distinguished School.
San Cayetano School was recognized as a Promising Practices Pr-ofessional Learning Com-munity at Work for its success in raising student achievement.

I am running for re-election because I care about our schools. The decisions I have made have contributed to the improved academic achievement, and I want to see the improvements continue.
I ask you for your vote for Area 3. I believe we can all work together to make positive changes for our students.

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Tricia Gradias,

FUSD, 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 for 15 years and FUSD administrator for 20 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 the Fillmore community after my retirement.
Education/Experience

BA in Liberal Studies with BCLAD authorization (Bilingual Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development), California State University- Northridge

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, California State University-Northridge/California State University-Channel Islands

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, Mountain Vista Elementary (2 Years)

Principal, San Cayetano Elementary (8 Years)

FUSD School Board -4 years/2 years serving as the Board President, and I am currently in my second term as Vice-President.
LET’S CONTINUE THE OUTSTANDING ACCOMMPLISHMENTS OF THE FUSD BOARD THESE LAST 4 YEARS BY VOTING TRICIA GRADIAS FOR SCHOOL BOARD-TRUSTEE AREA 4.