School board members and superintendents from Merced County and Stanislaus County will convene this January for the first-ever Legislative Action Week, a locally organized initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of education leaders in the Central Valley. This grassroots effort will bring these leaders face-to-face with Assembly Members Juan Alanis and Esmeralda Soria to discuss pressing issues impacting local school districts and to share updates and insights on education policy.
Unlike traditional Legislative Action events led by statewide organizations, this self-organized initiative underscores the commitment of local leaders to take charge of their advocacy efforts. The event is spearheaded by Zachery Ramos, Gustine School Board Member and California School Boards Association (CSBA) Delegate representing Merced County school districts.
“This is the first time our counties have come together to create our own Legislative Action Week, and it’s a testament to our dedication to making a real impact,” said Ramos. “We’re taking the initiative to advocate for our students, teachers, and families in a way that reflects the unique challenges and opportunities in the Central Valley.”
Education leaders plan to use the meetings to highlight issues such as teacher shortages, mental health resource gaps, inadequate school facilities, and the need for equitable funding for rural districts. The discussions will also cover strategies to improve career technical education (CTE), expand early childhood education, and address chronic absenteeism.
Assembly Member Juan Alanis, representing Assembly District 22, brings a strong focus on public safety and education. A former law enforcement officer, Alanis has been a vocal advocate for school safety measures and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed.
Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria, who represents Assembly District 27, is known for her work on equity and access in education. Her advocacy for rural and underserved communities aligns with goals of those in the education community of Merced.
Both legislators have expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to hear directly from local education leaders and work collaboratively to find solutions.
The self-organization of Legislative Action Week reflects a growing awareness among local education leaders of the need to take proactive steps in shaping education policy. By initiating their own event, leaders in Merced and Stanislaus Counties can focus on the unique challenges faced by rural districts in the Central Valley, ensuring that these issues are given priority in Sacramento.
“This is about showing that we don’t have to wait for others to lead the charge,” said Ramos. “The needs of our students and teachers are too urgent to wait. By taking action ourselves, we’re sending a strong message that we’re serious about making a difference.”
As January approaches, excitement is building among participants, who see this as a pivotal moment for education in the region. Leaders are hopeful that their collaborative efforts will result in meaningful change and stronger partnerships with state legislators.
“Legislative Action Week is about more than just meeting with lawmakers—it’s about building relationships and trust, so our voices are heard and our challenges are addressed,” Ramos explained. “This is only the beginning of what we can achieve when we come together as a region.”
