Get to Know Catrayel Wood

Thank you for visiting my website! I want to personally introduce myself to you.

My name is Catrayel Wood, and I am running for the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education in Trustee Area 4 with the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of our students and their families.

First and foremost, I am a proud father to an incredible daughter named Vivian. As a first grader in the San Juan Unified School District, she is my daily inspiration and a constant reminder of the importance of providing our children with the best education possible. My journey in life has been enriched by my beautiful wife, JaNay Brown-Wood, an award-winning children's book author. Her passion for education and storytelling has reinforced my commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment for all students.

Beyond my family, I have been deeply involved in our community for many years. Some of you may remember me as the former honorary mayor of Fair Oaks, where I had the privilege of working closely with community members to address local challenges and bring positive change to our neighborhoods. Volunteering at district schools has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience for me. I believe in the power of active engagement and collaborative efforts to create a stronger and more inclusive educational system for our students.

In my professional life, as a Senior Budget and Policy Manager, I have acquired over a decade of experience in budget management and policy analysis. These skills have equipped me with the tools to make informed and responsible decisions that will benefit the entire San Juan Unified School District. I hold a bachelor's degree in politics and international relations, which has given me a broader perspective on the world and an understanding of the importance of global awareness in education.

Additionally, my master's degree in business administration has honed my leadership abilities, enabling me to bring innovative ideas to the table.

I am honored to serve on various boards, including the Fair Oaks Community Planning Advisory Council and the San Juan School District Curriculum, Standards, Instructional & Student Services Committee. These experiences have given me invaluable insights into community needs and the intricate workings of our educational system.

As a candidate for the San Juan Unified School Board, my vision is simple: I want to ensure that every student receives an outstanding education and is equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. Together, we can work towards building a stronger community through accessible and excellent education. I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment where parents, teachers, administrators, and community members can come together to create positive change. Let's empower our educators and support staff, provide resources that nurture creativity and critical thinking, and make sure that our schools are safe and inclusive spaces for all.

I sincerely believe that the foundation of a thriving community lies in the strength of its educational system. I am eager to listen, learn, and serve as a passionate advocate for the needs and aspirations of our students. Together, we can ensure that the San Juan Unified School District becomes a model of excellence and inspiration for others.

Thank you for your support and for allowing me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our children. Let's build a brighter future together.

“Education is the key to unlock a golden door of freedom.”

~George Washington Carver

As your elected trustee for Area 4, I will work hard to provide our educators with the resources they need to:

Actively build community relationships, identify assets and needs, and connect students and families with resources to help them access the best opportunities our schools have to offer.

Cultivate inclusive, safe, equitable, culturally responsive, and healthy environments.

Support each student in a challenging and broad course of study that builds skills, knowledge, and experiences preparing all to be critical thinkers who communicate effectively, collaborate, and are civic-minded.

Engage each student in discovering their limitless potential, and through coordinated efforts prepare them for college, career, and bright futures filled with opportunity.

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