Elect Jose Martinez-Saldana Gavilan College Trustee TA 7

For almost 30 years I worked as an administrator in local CSUs, UC Riverside, and community colleges leading efforts to increase access to a college education for all potential students. During that time, I saw the challenges, opportunities, mistakes and innovative decisions that expanded the door of entry and support for students, as well as those that closed opportunity to non-traditional students.

Gavilan College has an opportunity to be a leader in expanding inclusion in it's student, staff, faculty and administrative ranks, all important elements that contribute to a successful institution. If the global pandemic of the past couple of years has taught anything, it is that the divide between those that have everything they need to be successful and those struggling to find a way to get ahead is much wider than anyone wanted to admit. Gavilan can help support many of the students in the district to start their collegiate journey at the college and through hard work, dedication, quality instruction and supportive services, launch themselves well prepared into the workforce, transfer to the university of their choice, or pick up the certification to improve their employability.

I have focused my campaign on three priorities:

Student Success: The reason Gavilan College exists is to serve residents of San Benito County and Southern Santa Clara County seeking their AA/AS/Transfer degrees, vocational/workforce

preparation, or to increase skills to improve employability or change careers. I will prioritize

construction of the new Hollister campus ASAP to improve access for SBC residents.

Fiscal Health: The board must work with the leadership at the college and in the community to safeguard resources and fulfill the goals connected to the bond measures voters approved.

The College for Today and Tomorrow: Gavilan must assess the district's population shifts of the past decade and project what the next decade or two will require in the next Strategic Plan to establish priorities for infrastructure, staffing, enrollment, services, and curriculum. To maximize the success of our students, we must leverage local, state and federal funding.

I am asking for your support in November 2022 to elect me as Trustee for Gavilan College District. As a first generation college student, I am familiar with obstacles that can detract a student from reaching their goals. I have worked most of my life to help other generations of students overcome those obstacles. I am ready and qualified to help Gavilan College District do so for the current and future students.