Meet Margarita Tufts, Candidate For Livermore School Board

LIVERMORE, CA — Patch reached out to all candidates for the LVJUSD Board of Education with identical questions. Here are the responses from Margarita Tufts, an LVJUSD parent, PTO and PTSA member, teacher, volunteer, and mentor.

Responses have not been altered.

1. What is your personal, educational, and professional background?

My bi-cultural upbringing is a result from growing up and attending public schools in Southern California, and later moving to Mexico, where I finished my education earning my bachelor’s degree in education. I taught as a bilingual teacher in Mexico and came back to the US to continue my education and continue my work as a teacher.

I currently work mentoring Livermore students and connecting with their families as they navigate the school system, to achieve college and career readiness.

2. How long have you lived in Livermore?

Together with my family, my husband and two sons, I have been part of the Livermore Community for over 16 years.

3. What brought you here?

When my husband’s work moved to Silicon Valley we decided to move to the Bay Area and Livermore was the place where we wanted to raise our family. We made a great choice, and we have enjoyed watching our sons growing up here.

4. How have you been involved in the community?

I have been an active member of the community in Livermore since my children were very young. As soon as my sons attended school, I became very involved in the Parent groups, I have been part of the Sunset PTO, where I led big fundraisers such as the Gala and the Jogathon. I successfully ran the student Sunset Book Club for over 6 years with over 100 enthusiastic students and over 20 parent volunteers. I joined the Mendenhall MS PTSA as the Treasurer and helped at Hospitality events that benefited the students, their families and the Staff of the school. My involvement in Granada High was not only as a team mom, and with school social events, but mainly at the library when I got to interact with many students choosing books. I continue to volunteer my time at the GHS Library, even after my son graduated. I have volunteered in events with the Boy Scouts that involve interaction with the community and became the treasurer at Troop 903. I am a member at my church and volunteer in the Hospitality ministry.

I volunteer and collaborate with Quest Science Center, where I can share my knowledge about our diversity and inclusive environment in the Livermore Community. I also share my experience as a bilingual educator, and my passion for continued educational opportunities for everyone.

5. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing LVJUSD?

Livermore School District has what it takes to have successful students, and students are graduating high school successfully. But the data shows that many students are not graduating college and career ready. We need to make sure that the resources to be ready for a preparation beyond high school are available to all students.

Data has shown that our English Language learners are struggling. They are not prepared, and they are being reclassified to be integrated in the classroom with their peers. This causes stress to the students and their families. We need to inform the families and include them through this process.

6. What are your plans for addressing them?

I will advocate for a greater emphasis on college and career readiness information for all, the students and their families. I recognize the benefit of having the student’s support system (such as their families) informed as early as possible of their child’s education to give the best support during their formative years. The connections with families and staff are crucial to better navigate the school system.

Another big challenge is the budget cuts in California, it is necessary to evaluate what is in place and make the tough decisions, hopefully far from the students and the classroom.

7. What makes you the best candidate?

I am uniquely prepared to serve as Livermore School Board Trustee. My experience as a bilingual educator, my years of volunteering during my son’s education, and the vision I have of the Livermore schools as I work mentoring students in this community, fuels my passion for ensuring quality education for all students. My bi-cultural background has honed my empathy for families and students to help navigate the school system to have them integrated in a timeframe that maximizes their success.

8. Outside of politics, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy visiting with my sons, and my family and friends that are far. When I cannot travel to do that, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking and walking in our amazing trails in Livermore and our surroundings. We have a vibrant community that always has opportunities to socialize.

9. Any other comments?

I grew up in a diverse community and knew that I had the support at home to be successful and find my journey in life. My family came to Livermore because we felt welcome. I support diversity, and I empathize with families that come from a different background. I welcome an inclusive environment, so that every student and family know that there is a place at our Livermore schools for them. Visit my website: Maggietufts4schoolboard2024.com