CALSA Announces 2025 Board Election Results, Welcomes President-Elect and Regional Directors in Transformative New Chapter of Leadership

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) has announced the results of its 2025 Board of Directors election, ushering in a dynamic mix of new leadership and returning board members dedicated to advancing CALSA’s mission in public education.

Key leadership changes include the election of Diego R. Ochoa, CALSA’s current Region 1 Director, as the organization’s next President-Elect, and the election of Dr. Margaret Heredia-Peltz as the new Region 1 Director. In addition, Yolanda Valdez and Jessica Ochoa have been re-elected as Regional Directors for Regions 3 and 5, respectively.

Ochoa, Superintendent of the San Mateo-Foster City School District, will begin his term as President-Elect in July 2025 and transition to the presidency in June 2027. He has more than 25 years of experience in public education, including 10 years as a superintendent. His leadership has focused on instructional equity, student wellness, and collaborative community engagement.

“Being elected as CALSA’s President-Elect is a profound honor,” Ochoa said. "For more than 15 years, CALSA has been my professional home — a community that has shaped my leadership journey and deepened my commitment to educational equity. I am humbled by the opportunity to give back by expanding pathways for professional growth, serving as a trusted source of knowledge and support, and collaborating with state and national partners to advocate for high-quality public education for every student we serve."

Dr. Margaret Heredia-Peltz, newly elected as Region 1 Director, currently serves as Director of Student Services for the San Mateo-Foster City School District. Region 1 includes San Francisco, San Mateo County, and parts of the North Bay. Dr. Heredia’s portfolio includes Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Restorative Justice, Wellness Community Schools and Mentorship and Title IX compliance, centering student voice, inclusion and healing-centered engagement.

Yolanda Valdez, re-elected as Region 3 Director, is the Superintendent of Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District. Region 3 spans the Central Valley, including Tulare and surrounding counties. Valdez has worked in education for more than 30 years and has held multiple administrative positions. Her current district serves approximately 4,000 students, with programs supporting college and career readiness, facility improvements, and bilingual education.

Continuing down the coast into Los Angeles County, Jessica Ochoa has been re-elected as Region 5 Director. With nearly two decades of experience spanning pre-K–12 education, philanthropy and public relations, Ochoa has led various efforts aimed at reshaping public education through inclusive practices and expanded opportunities for students. Nationally recognized for her leadership, she is known for building strategic partnerships designed to advance equity and student success. In her professional roles, she has helped secure significant philanthropic funding in support of initiatives aiming to uplift schools, increase district visibility and broaden access to meaningful learning experiences.

“CALSA continues to thrive because of the leaders who step forward to serve,” said Dr. Zandra Jo Galván, CALSA Immediate Past President. “We welcome Dr. Heredia-Peltz and congratulate our returning directors, Jessica Ochoa and Yolanda Valdez, for their continued service. And it is with great pride that we welcome Diego Ochoa into this next chapter of leadership and advocacy.”

As part of CALSA’s leadership transition, Dr. Juan Manuel Santos, current President-Elect, will assume the role of President in July 2025. Dr. Roxane Fuentes, who currently serves as President, will transition to Immediate Past President. The full Board, including newly elected and continuing members, will be recognized during the 2025 CALSA Summer Institute, scheduled for June 26–28, 2025 in Chula Vista, California.

“Regional directors play a critical role in CALSA’s work,” said Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere, Executive Director of CALSA. “They ensure that the unique needs of our members are represented and addressed across California. I extend deep appreciation to our entire board and regional leadership for their service, and a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Zandra Jo Galván for her outstanding contributions during her presidency. Her leadership has strengthened CALSA’s impact, expanded its visibility, and supported the continued growth of Latino leadership in public education.”

For more information about CALSA and its initiatives, visit www.calsa.org.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CALSA_ELECTION1: CALSA appoints Diego R. Ochoa, Superintendent of the San Mateo-Foster City School District, as 2025–26 President-Elect.