top of page

Endorsements

I am grateful for the support of elected officials, education leaders and Monterey County community leaders & residents who believe in my commitment to students, public education, and responsible leadership.

Elected Officials & Community Leaders

  • Sam Farr - U.S. Congressman (Ret.)

  • Luis Alejo, Monterey County Supervisor, District 1 

  • Ken White - Mayor, Carmel-by-the-Sea (Ret.)

  • Jeff Baron - Council Member, Carmel-by-the-Sea 

  • Gino Garcia - Council Member, Monterey City, District 4 

  • MaryAnn Leffel - Vice Chair, Monterey Peninsula Airport District; Commissioner, LAFCO Monterey County

  • Lisa Talley Dean, Broker Associate, JD, LLM

  • Dina Ruiz - Community Leader

  • Jean Hurd - Community Leader 

  • Alondra Klemek -Community Leader 

  • Stephanie Harkness - Community Leader 

Elected Education Leaders

  • Dr. Deneen Guss - Monterey County Superintendent of Schools

  • Dan Burns - Monterey County Superintendent of Schools - Elect 

  • Dr. Ralph Porras - Deputy Superintendent, Monterey County Office of Education; Former Superintendent Pacific Grove Unified School District

  • Annette Yee Steck - Vice President, Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 1, (Retiring); Carmel Valley Rotary President; Former CUSD Governing Board Member

  • John McPherson -Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 2

  • Heather Owen -President, Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 3

  • Virgina H. Mendoza - Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 4

  • Jaime Fernandez - Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 5

  • Mary Claypool - Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 6

  • Sandra Ocampo - Monterey County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 7

  • Dr. Celia Barberena - Chair, Monterey Peninsula College, Board of Trustees, District Area 4 

  • Dr. Bettye Lusk, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 3 

  • Jason Remynse - Carmel Unified School District, Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 5

  • Karl Pallastrini - Former CUSD Governing Board Member; CHS/CMS Principal (Ret.)

  • Mark Stilwell - Former CUSD Governing Board Member

  • Amy Funt - Former CUSD Governing Board Member

  • Marcy Rustad - Former CUSD Governing Board Member

  • Jennifer McNary - President, Pacific Grove Unified School District, Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 5

Education Professionals 

  • Dr. Barb Dill-Varga - Superintendent, Aromas - San Juan Unified School District; Former CUSD Superintendent

  • Heath Rocha - Superintendent, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District; Former CUSD Chief Student Services Officer

  • Marvin Biasotti -Superintendent, CUSD (Ret.)

  • Jay Marden - Principal, River School CUSD (Ret.)

  • Tricia Zarevich - Executive Assistant to the Superintendent & Board of Trustees, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District; Former EA to the Superintendent & Board of Trustees, CUSD

  • Andrea Lewis - Board Director, MEarth

​

~ Partial Endorsements List. Titles & organizations listed for identification purpose only ~  

ENDORSEMENT LETTER

​

Dear Rita,

 

Thank you for reaching out to me seeking an endorsement, I'd like to take a moment to let you know how much I've appreciated serving alongside you on the Carmel Unified School District Board and to offer you my wholehearted endorsement for your campaign for Monterey County Board of Education, Trustee Area 1.

 

Working with you has given me the opportunity to see firsthand the kind of leader you are. You come prepared, ask thoughtful questions, listen to different perspectives, and always keep what's best for students, staff, and the district as a whole at the center of every decision. Even when we don't see an issue the same way, I've always respected how you approach the conversation.

 

I've witnessed your commitment to public education for many years, well before I joined the Board. Your years of service to Carmel Unified, your return to the Board, and your continued commitment to our students and community speak for themselves. You've consistently demonstrated the kind of steady, thoughtful leadership that earns the respect of your colleagues and the people you serve.

 

One of the things I admire most is that you understand the role of a board member. You know the difference between governance and management, you respect the process, and do not get caught up in the weeds. Those are qualities that will serve Monterey County well.

 

I have no doubt you'll be a tremendous asset to the Monterey County Board of Education. You have my strongest endorsement, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact you'll continue to make for students, families throughout the county.

 

I am proud to support your candidacy and wish you the very best in your campaign.

 

Sincerely,

Jason Remynse

Carmel Unified School District Trustee Area 5

 

Title used for identification purposes only. This endorsement is made in my personal capacity and does not represent an official endorsement of the Carmel Unified School District or its Board of Education.

bottom of page