Ed.D. Alum and Current Student Win Elections to Local Public Office 

Malinda Hurley, an Educational Leadership Doctoral Program alumna, was elected to the Alta Loma Unified School District Board of Trustees and Francis Sanchez, a current student in the Ed.D. program, was elected to Bell Gardens City Council and appointed mayor pro tem. 

Malinda Hurley 

Malinda Hurley currently represents Area 5 of the Alta Loma Unified School District Board of Trustees, which includes parts of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga.  

“I am honored to be the voice of my community,” said Hurley. “What excites me most about my new position is that it affords me the opportunity to listen to all the stakeholders' concerns, which in turn, assists me when I make decisions that affect their daily lives. Also, it is exciting to learn a new leadership role where I get to meet and network with local, state and federal leadership at special community events.”

Hurley credits the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program for providing a strong foundation for understanding how to be an effective educational leader.

“I definitely believe my time at Cal Poly Pomona in the Ed.D. program prepared me for my newly elected post,” said Hurley. “The program gave me hands on experience through courses like Leadership for Learning, Leadership for Equity and Advocacy, and Building School/Community Partnerships for Student Success, which equipped me with the necessary skills to make educational decisions and policy changes that impact student success at the local, state and national level. Additionally, I gained valuable research and analytical skills that I utilize when I read district reports, which initially helps me decide my vote for an agenda item.” 

Among her top priorities as a trustee is to make fiscally responsible decisions and advance student success through school and family engagement.

“One of my goals as a board member is to get parents and community members more involved with our schools through partnerships, community programs and projects,” said Hurley. “Another priority is to ensure our district is fiscally sound and responsible with the funds we spend so we never get into the position of deficit spending.”

Hurley said she wanted to ensure Local Control and Accountability Plan and Local Control Funding Formula allocated by the state are utilized wisely and equitably among our students so they receive a quality education. 

One of the reasons that motivated Hurley to run for her position is a chance to demonstrate the principles she cultivated through the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program, which include equity, social justice and educational reform.

“My persistence, resilience, courage, creativity and ability to motivate others and bring about change was strengthened by Cal Poly Pomona’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Program,” said Hurley. “I constantly use my written and oral communication skills as well as problem-solving skills for educational reform in the areas of equity and inclusion.”

Hurley concluded by saying, within her legacy, she hopes to be recognized for giving back to the community she grew up in by advancing social justice.

“I ran for this position so I could represent all students, parents, teachers and people of color, on a culturally diverse school board,” said Hurley. “I want to dismantle any disparities between school sites so our struggling students can thrive with the support they require. I truly believe that all students deserve to have access to a quality education.”

Francis Sanchez 

Francis Sanchez is currently pursuing a doctorate in preK-12 educational leadership Her research interest includes identifying the conditions that contribute to student success among what she refers to as at-promise students, those attending continuation schools and living in low socioeconomic areas. 

In terms of her newly elected position, she said she looks forward to accomplishing her life’s mission, which entails being a public servant.

“From a very young age, my parents have instilled in me the value of serving others. That said, I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the community that I have called home my entire life, as well as, have the ability to be a voice for the residents of Bell Gardens,” said Sanchez.

Among her top priorities in her first term will be providing quality constituent services and collaborating with fellow city council members on policies and plans to improve the city.

“A top priority of mine is to address and respond to residents' concerns,” said Sanchez. “It is important to me that my residents find me approachable, know I am available for them, and am ready to serve them. Simultaneously, I will collaborate with local city council members on different projects that will positively impact our community.”

Additional priorities outlined by Sanchez include supporting public safety and spurring economic development.

“The safety and well-being of Bell Gardens residents is my number one priority,” said Sanchez. “The residents deserve to live in a safe community. Aside from safety, I want to encourage economic development by supporting small businesses in my community. I want to streamline policies to make Bell Gardens more business friendly, identify locations in the city for new development, and explore any and all opportunities to attract new revenue sources.”

In some closing thoughts, Sanchez said her goal is to be an effective leader who will work with her team to create a shared vision for the future.

“As a first-year council member and mayor pro tem for the city of Bell Gardens, I have set high expectations and goals for myself and the city,” said Sanchez. “I am confident that with my hard work, dedication and public-servant mindset, I will make great improvements for the residents of our city. I am excited for the future of Bell Gardens!”

For more information about the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program and its role in developing future leaders, visit www.cpp.edu/ceis/edleadership.