Vista Unified School DistrictCandidate for Trustee, Trustee Area 4

Cipriano Vargas is a proud graduate of Vista Unified Schools, having attended Breeze Hill Elementary, Washington Middle School and Vista High School. Vargas has been a rising leader since high school serving as President of the Future Farmers of America and being an active member of Character Leaders. It was through these programs and teachers who believed in his greatest potential that allowed him to flourish in school.

At Cal State San Marcos, Vargas served on student government and was later appointed by the governor to the California State University Board of Trustees. It was there that he became a fierce champion of higher education and ultimately a factor that led him into the classroom.

After graduating from college, Cipriano went on to teach Kindergarten. As a kindergarten teacher, he focused on a culturally responsive framework, building strong student rapport and restorative justice approach. A strong supporter of bilingual education, he taught Spanish and promoted a multicultural lens for his student and their families. While in the classroom, he also participated in a teacher exchange program, observing teachers in Mexico and learning best practices to implement in the classroom.

Currently, Vargas serves on the Alumni Board for California State University San Marcos and has two siblings who attend schools in the Vista Unified School District. Cipriano is running because he understands the challenges of the community and is invested in making sure that our children have the future they deserve.

Growing up in Vista, I experienced  many of the challenges that students in our classrooms still face each day. But, more importantly, I benefited from many  of the opportunities that Vista’s great teachers afforded me.  Because of the support I received from my parents and those dedicated teachers, I became the first in my family to attend and graduate from a four year university.

Education was always something my parents valued. While they were only able to obtain an elementary level education, they knew school was the key to a better life.  What they instilled in me, not only  helped me to obtain a college degree, but  afforded me the opportunity to pursue a career that makes a difference everyday. After graduating from Cal State San Marcos, I became a kindergarten teacher.  I looked at each day as an opportunity to instill the same love of learning that my parents and teachers had given me. I am running for the VUSD School Board to continue to give back to the community that helped make my dreams possible.

If elected, I look forward to increasing our graduation rates and ensuring that our students have the opportunity to attend and graduate from college. I want our schools to be a place our children can call a second home. This should be a place where they feel loved and appreciated for who they are and their culture. Where a student can walk in and know that they are supported and will be academically challenged because we believe in them.

We must listen to our students and their families’ needs. I truly believe that we can be a model of excellence for California, and this will only happen when we work collectively and ensure our students are on track to graduate. With increased classroom support , thoughtful curriculum improvements, and stronger community partnerships, we can help our students achieve success.I want our district to not only prepare our students for a spot at a university or career, but to also be life-long productive members of society.

I am asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. I am confident that together, as a community, we can and will ensure that all of our students have the tools they need for a 21st Century education.