✨Education Board Candidates Seeking DWMC Endorsement✨

Stephen Bennett • Pacific Grove Unified School District Governing Board Trustee for District 1

I am a retired US Navy veteran, an alumni of University of Houston Cultural Anthropology and Mathematics programs, a parent of Pacific Grove students, and a former member of public and private boards spanning two decades. I have managed multi-million dollar budgets for comptrollers and national leaders, led hundreds of women and men in conflict, and have spent my entire adult life dedicated to public service with an unwavering commitment to accountability, accessibility, and progress for the benefit of all of us.

Patricia Coyt • HARTNELL COLLEGE District 5

My name is Patricia Coyt, I have been a member of the Monterey County Central Committee for many, many years. I have been a democrat all my life. I came to the Unted States of America, when I was 40 days old. I attended the Alisal Unified School District from Alisal Elementary, El Sausal Middle School and Alisal High School. I am the first in my family to go to college at Hartnell College. During my studies at Hartnell College, I was taking many courses to complete an Associate Degree. I then transferred my studies and began attending San Jose State University for the program in Interior Design. After returning from San Jose State University, I returned to Hartnell College and received a certificate in Architectural Drafting Trainee Acquisition in 2008; Occupational Education Hazardous Materials in May 16, 2008; Certificate of Achievement in Art-Two Dimensional in June 2008; and an Associate of Science Construction 2008.

My experience in Salinas as a community volunteer has been in working with The Braceros Committee in 2000; I was their photographer for several years. I was also a Board Member for the first years of Hijos del Sol Committee. I was part Monterey County Architectural Heritage 2000-2008. The First Latina to be represent Salinas District 1 for Monterey County Democrats. 2016-2023. I was also part of meeting all the incoming running candidates for Monterey County at the MDCC level and volunteered for many of our events. As I began my college and university years, I quickly realized that it is difficult to navigate and I would like to help my fellow future students to do this and facilitate their journey. I will be open to help and meet at any time, as I have been for my very own nephews, nieces and my neighborhood’s children. I am a proud Democrat who has volunteered in many events to uplift our democrats in Monterey County. I believe that I have proven that I am a strong Democrat and will continue to uplift all democrats in our county; especially our future students. I appreciate your consideration in this process and hope to get your endorsement.

Merissa Dacpano • Salinas Union High School District, Board Trustee Area 7

I’m Merissa Dacpano, a lifelong Salinas resident and Salinas High School Class of 1995 graduate. Both of my children are also Salinas High graduates. I am in my 26th year teaching in the Salinas City Elementary School District, where I have built strong partnerships with students, families, and educators. For 15 years, I have served on the teachers’ negotiation team, including eight years as lead negotiator. I have completed 45 hours of school finance training and have extensive experience with budgets, funding, contracts, and board documents. I also serve on the MCSIG Insurance Board. I’m committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and student success.

Ricardo Thomas Diaz Jr • Monterey County Of Education, trustee area 3

I am seeking endorsement because I know my values and beliefs align with women, democrats, and the majority of our community.

Rosalyn Green • Monterey Peninsula College Governing Board Trustee, Area 1

I am Rosalyn Green, a lifelong educator, community advocate, racial equity leader, proud Monterey Peninsula College graduate, and seven-year member of the MPC Board of Trustees. As a native of this community, MPC is deeply personal to me. All of my children attended MPC, and two of my sons are graduates. I am seeking re-election to continue advancing educational equity, student success, affordability, and pathways to family-sustaining careers. I bring experience, institutional knowledge, and a proven commitment to listening to our community. I am ready to continue building an MPC where every student has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.

Ulises Gonzalez Reyes • Alisal Union School District Governing Board Member Trustee Area 2

I have proudly called East Salinas home for 17 years. As an immigrant, educator, and former school administrator, I have dedicated more than 19 years to serving Salinas students and families as a teacher, instructional coach, vice principal, and principal. I have also served on the Alisal High School Site Council and as Chair of the Salinas Traffic and Transportation Commission. Today, I support educators and school leaders across California. I understand what Alisal students, educators, and families need now, and I bring the educational leadership experience, community commitment, and determination needed to move our district forward.

Megan Whilden • Area One Governing Board Trustee, Monterey County Board of Education

I am a proud graduate of Monterey public schools and an experienced leader in education, local government, the arts, and nonprofits. I am running for this seat to champion transparency, fiscal prudence, and equality of opportunity in the Monterey County Office of Education, and to ensure underserved students and families, especially those who are immigrants, LGBTQ+, homeless, or differently abled, are given the opportunity to flourish in school. Every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their zip code or life circumstances. I am honored to be endorsed by the California Teachers Association and the Carmel Association of Teachers, among others.