Chris Cruz for Upland School Board 2022

During my career working in the legal profession, I have advocated for students and their families to ensure they have the best access to a quality education as well as health and support services. Having attended Upland schools from kindergarten through my graduation from Upland High School as valedictorian, I know firsthand the challenges that students and families face.

I will work alongside families, teachers, and staff members to ensure that our students have opportunities in STEM & Career Technical Training, Dual Language Immersion, and increase all students' college readiness. Fiscal management and safety at all our Upland Schools will also be a priority. I will be committed to our students and families if elected to the Upland School Board. 

My past efforts include:

• Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, Student Attorney: Worked as student attorney to provide representation to families of children with disabilities.

• Public Counsel, Legal Intern: Focused on cases demanding greater funding and resources for schools.

• Harvard Law School, Teaching Fellow: Co-taught course on child advocacy

• Highlander Educational Foundation, Board Member: Helped raise and provide funding to educational programs throughout our Upland Unified School District. 

• PTA, Volunteer: Auditor for the Upland High School PTA.

It is because of the opportunities that Upland schools gave me that I was able to continue my education at Harvard University and pursue a career in the legal profession. I want the next generation of Upland students to have even greater opportunities than I had when I was a student in the district.

I understand the challenges that students face today are unlike those of previous generations. Nonetheless, I believe that with the right leadership and community input, we can prepare our children to succeed in the world today.

I ask for your vote and support as we work together to advocate for our children.

• Promote STEM 
• Support Career Technical Training opportunities
• Increase all students' college readiness

• Prioritize the safety of our schools
• Foster an inclusive educational environment
• Continue promotion of our Support Services Department

• Support Dual Language Immersion Program
• Continuously update career training pathways
• Maintain the strong fiscal management needed to fund other educational and extracurricular programs