Diana Perez Resigns from School Board to Run for Mayor of Santa Maria

Diana Perez, the President of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education, has officially tendered her resignation, setting her sights on the city’s highest office. Announcing her candidacy for Mayor of Santa Maria, Perez looks to pivot her career towards addressing broader city challenges and aspirations.

In a press release dated July 15, the School District confirmed Perez’s resignation, effective immediately, highlighting a shift in her decades-long dedication to educational advancement towards municipal governance.

Expressing her gratitude and confidence in the current board, Perez remarked, “I have full faith in the current board members and the Superintendent to continue to make the best decisions for our students and all district personnel. We have made significant improvements at all our high schools. There is still great work to be done.”

Perez’s tenure on the school board, spanning over ten years, has been marked by progressive educational reforms and infrastructural developments. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “The last ten years on the school board have prepared me for the next step as I announce that I will be running for Mayor of Santa Maria. It’s the right time in my life to take on new challenges, and I am eager to address the issues facing our city, helping to guide Santa Maria towards a brighter future.”

Appointed as President in 2014 to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Dean Reece’s retirement, Perez’s leadership has been pivotal in navigating the district through significant milestones and challenges. With her departure, the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District embarks on the process of finding her successor, either through a provisional appointment at the upcoming August school board meeting or via a special election to fill the Trustee position for Area 4, set to expire in December 2026.

Superintendent Antonio Garcia lauded Perez’s contributions, stating, “I believe Ms. Perez helped make the district a better place for students, staff, and the community.”

Among the pressing issues highlighted by Perez in her resignation letter and subsequent discussions include the approval of a new high school bond measure aimed at addressing overcrowding across the district’s comprehensive high schools and advocating for resources to support the student population’s burgeoning needs.

Additionally, Perez shed light on future budget constraints for Santa Maria and the pressing need to ensure a living wage for local firefighters, underscoring the multifaceted challenges she seeks to tackle as Mayor.