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Ms. Avalos was first elected to the Governing Board in November 2022. Ms. Avalos is a lifetime resident and active member of the National City Community. Her present term expires in December 2026.
Ms. Betancourt-Castañeda was first elected to the Governing Board in November 2014. Ms. Betancourt-Castañeda is a dedicated parent in the District and local youth advocate. She is a graduate of Masters in Governance, an involved member of the National Association for Latino Elected Officials, and is passionate about quality parent engagement. Ms. Betancourt-Castañeda is a lifetime resident and active member of the National City Community. Her present term expires in December 2026.
Ms. Gates was first elected to the Governing Board in November 2020. Currently serving as Board Clerk, Ms. Gates has been a teacher for 15 years and is currently teaching sixth grade in the South Bay area. Her children attended the National School District, where Ms. Gates volunteered with PTA and School Site Council, as well as taught for four years. She is a graduate of Masters in Governance. She is a passionate advocate for students and teachers. Ms. Gates and her family moved to National City in 2002. Her present term expires in December 2024.
Ms. Lizarraga was first elected to the Governing Board in November 2020. Ms. Lizarraga is a long-time resident of National City, a dedicated parent in the District, an active member of community advocacy groups, and is currently an active Kitchenista leader. Ms. Lizarraga is a former PTA & DELAC president and has been an active parent volunteer on several committees, such as ELAC, DPAC, SSC and LCAP. She is a graduate of Masters in Governance. Ms. Lizarraga is passionate about providing excellent service and devotion to our National City families. Her present term expires in December 2024.
Ms. Sarmiento was first elected to the Governing Board in November 1992 and strongly supports expanded learning opportunities for all students. Currently serving as Board President, Ms. Sarmiento is a graduate of Masters in Governance. She has served on the Board of Directors of the National City Chamber of Commerce, National City Boys and Girls Club, South Bay YMCA, and the American Cancer Society. She is Past-President of Paradise Valley Hospital's Partners for Prevention Coalition and Executive Director of the Sweetwater High School Alumni Association. She is the recipient of the Key to the City from the Mayor and City Council for her work with the youth and Community of National City, the Congressional Citizen of the Month Award, as well as the Optimist Club Volunteer of the Year Award. Ms. Sarmiento is a lifetime resident and an active member of the National City Community. Her present term expires in December 2026.
