The only candidate with Board of Education experience
Elect Gila Jones for the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees
“Gila doesn't govern like a Republican or a Democrat – she governs like a public servant.”
- U.S. Navy Captain (ret.) Howard Hart, Councilmember, City of San Juan Capistrano
Meet Gila Jones
In her 12 years on the Capistrano Unified (CUSD) board, Gila has developed a reputation for accessibility. She listens to all points of view and seriously welcomes input from those whose ideas are different from her own. She's the only member of that board whose personal phone number appears on the district's website.
The world young people will meet after high school or college graduation will be very different from it was just 5 or 10 years ago. Gila is running to make sure our community colleges are preparing students for an AI-influenced future, as well as training for professions that will still be in demand locally.
Here to serve and support you!
With SOCCCD teachers
With Nathan Banda, Tribal Chair, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians
With Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Stephanie Winstead and San Juan Capistrano Councilman John Campbell
With State Senator Catherine Blakespear, and trustees from Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified School Districts
With former Capistrano Unified Trustee Amy Hanacek, San Juan Capistrano Councilman Howard Hart, and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley
Gila’s Focus & Priorities
Grow Dual Enrollment
Meet students before high school graduation: Continue to grow dual enrollment partnerships with public school districts, and explore similar possibilities with private schools. Dual enrollment can give students a head start on college, shorten the time and cost of earning a degree or certificate, and introduce them to opportunities they may not have considered. Be sure these options are available not only to four-year college-bound students, but also to those interested in career education, a skilled trade, or an apprenticeship. Students should be able to leave high school already well on their way toward their next educational or career goal.
Strengthen Math Preparation
Too many students are arriving at college without the mathematics preparation they need to succeed. Our community colleges should help students close those gaps while maintaining the academic standards that prepare them for what comes next. Make sure our math courses are aligned with UC and CSU transfer requirements, and that grading standards genuinely reflect subject mastery. Students who successfully complete a math course should have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the next course—whether at one of our colleges or after transfer to a four-year university.
Budget Accountability
As a person who uses AI extensively herself, Gila knows how quickly it is changing our personal lives as well as the world of work. Community colleges have long provided career education both for recent high school graduates and for adults changing careers or needing to update their job skills. It’s essential that our colleges collaborate with local industry and workforce experts to ensure that the training offered to those on a career education path meets the needs of our rapidly evolving regional workforce.
Career Education for an AI - influenced Future
Gila's coursework for her Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) taught her to critically read and analyze the financial statements of large institutions. She also brings 12 years of experience overseeing public budgets—now more than $640 million annually —with a record of balanced budgets every year. She’s a budget hawk who understands that responsible budgeting means setting priorities, planning for the future, and making sure resources are there when students need them. She’ll fight waste and work to keep your tax dollars in the classroom and benefiting students.
Endorsements: Elected and College Officials
Mike Levin, Member of Congress
Catherine Blakespear, State Senator
Katrina Foley, Member, Orange County Board of Supervisors
U.S. Navy Captain (ret.) Howard Hart, San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember
Michael Villar, Dana Point City Councilmember
Mark Enmeier, San Clemente City Councilmember
Megan Yoo Schneider, Board Member, Metropolitan Water District of OC
Jim Leach, Secretary, Saddleback College Foundation
Endorsements: OrganizationsThe Faculty Association of California Community Colleges
South Orange County Community College District Faculty Association
Western States Regional Council of Carpenters
Orange County Labor Federation
Democratic Party of Orange County
Support the Campaign
Help Gila reach voters throughout the district and share her vision for strong, responsive community colleges.
