School Board Appoints New Member

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The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) Board of Trustees appointed Belia Martinez as trustee after public interviews of seven highly qualified prospective candidates were held on Saturday. The open seat was created when in November. She was installed at Tuesday's board meeting and will serve through December 2012, when Gary’s term would have ended.

Martinez brings with her a broad range of experience. Raised in south Texas in an underprivileged background, she recognized the importance of a formal education and the opportunities it would present for her future.

After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Army. Her first tour was in Korea, followed by Washington State where she served her country and earned financial assistance for a college education. Returning to Texas, she enrolled at Texas Woman’s University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a concentration in Finance.

Following graduation, she worked as an Account Manager for Consolidated Freight Way, Project Manager for Verizon and Information Technology Recruiter for Source EDP, and a Real Estate Agent for Windermere.

In her many years as a Livermore resident, she has immersed herself as an advocate of children by serving on School Site Council Committees, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Boards and as a Parent Center Coordinator.

Working as a community liaison, Martinez played an important role in the seamless merger of Portola Elementary and Junction Middle School to the combined . Her extensive outreach and successful public relations efforts garnered community support for the Dual Immersion Program, Futsal fields, and Mariachi club at Junction K-8.

Martinez has also been an active member of her children’s education as a volunteer in the classroom, clubs, and community sports. In addition, she has helped coordinate the Summer Youth Employment Project, through the Tri-Valley Community Foundation, mentoring students to emphasize real-world work expectations, increase awareness of services offered by local community-based organizations, and provide opportunities for career instruction, financial literacy training, academic improvement, and social growth.

Martinez is enthusiastic about her appointment, saying “I am excited about my new position as the newest LVJUSD Board Member. I am ready to put my heartfelt efforts toward making a positive difference in our school community. I look forward to visiting all of our schools and developing solid and supportive relationships with staff members and families. I am thrilled about the upcoming year and the great results that will arise from it.”