The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education provisionally appointed Amy Lopez to the board at its Jan. 12 meeting. Lopez, a mental health advocate who has dedicated her career to public service will fill the seat vacated by Victor Tognazzini, who was elected in 2004 and retired on Dec. 31, 2015, to spend time with family.
The board expects the Santa Barbara County Election Office to approve the appointment later this month. Lopez will attend the official swearing-in ceremony at the board’s Feb. 9 meeting.
“This is a tremendous honor, and it is my goal to give back to the community,” Lopez said in a press release. “I have a lot to offer education, kids, and youth. In my profession, I see what happens when youth fall through the gaps.”
Lopez was born and raised in Santa Maria and graduated from St. Joseph High School before pursuing advanced degrees at both California State University, Fresno, and University of LaVerne. She is a Santa Barbara County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services Team Supervisor, actively involved with the Santa Maria Boys & Girls Club, and a Santa Maria Veterans Treatment Court Foundation board member. Her experience includes work with CalWORKs families, and managing federally funded treatment drug court grants that provide aid and services to needy families, military veterans, at-risk youth, and those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. In 2014 she ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the City Council.
District Superintendent Mark Richardson stated in a press release that he is certain Lopez will be a dedicated community leader.
“Amy has demonstrated a willingness to serve through her involvement with a number of community groups and her willingness to run for a City Council seat. I am excited to have Amy as a member of our governance team,” Richardson said.
This article appears in Jan 21-28, 2016.