Embedded Files
Marina Chavez Bio:
My name is Marina Chavez, and Porterville is the community that helped shape who I am today. I grew up on the East Side of Porterville in a hardworking family that taught me that where you come from should never determine how far you can go. Today, I serve my community as the Executive Director of Valley Adult Day Services, where I have gained firsthand experience leading an organization, managing public and private funding, building partnerships, and advocating for families who need someone in their corner. I am also a parent with children attending schools within Porterville Unified, so the success of our district is deeply personal to me. Like every parent, I want my children to have great teachers, meaningful opportunities, safe and welcoming schools, and the support they need to build successful futures. I want those same things for every child in our district.
I am running for the Porterville Unified School District Board because I believe every student and every school deserves a strong advocate. While I would be elected to represent my trustee area, I understand that a School Board member has a responsibility to help our entire district succeed. I will support and advocate for every PUSD school—from our elementary campuses to our middle and high schools—and work to ensure students across our community have access to opportunities that help them thrive. I will champion empowered students, value certificated and classified staff, promote the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and build stronger partnerships with parents and our community. I will bring an independent voice to the Board—one willing to listen, ask tough questions, work across differences, and put students first. As a parent, community leader, and advocate, I would be honored to earn your vote and serve the entire PUSD community.
Pete Lara, Jr. Bio from PUSD:
"Pete Lara, Jr. brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to the Porterville Unified School District Board, shaped by his deep history of service in southeastern Tulare County. His journey to the PUSD Board reflects a commitment to doing what is best for students—even when it required difficult, selfless decisions made for the greater good of the community.
As a trustee, Pete is proud to support innovative, hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction to real-world experiences. He values collaboration with educators and school leaders and believes in balancing the unique needs of local communities with the broader responsibility of serving all students across the district.
Thank you, Pete Lara, Jr., for your leadership, perspective, and dedication to student success throughout PUSD." (Photo taken from PUSD Website)
Greg Meister Bio:
In my career as a financial advisor, I’ve helped numerous families and organizations achieve lasting financial stability through prudent budgeting, strategic planning, risk management and fiscal accountability. I will bring this proven skillset to the Porterville Unified School Board where I will maximize every taxpayer dollar and ensure resources are directed where they matter most – to our students and classrooms. As a proud grandparent of three children attending PUSD schools, their education and future success motivate me every day.
I am committed to advocating for strong academic programs, safe learning environments, and equal opportunity for every student. I offer a fresh, independent perspective and objective oversight that complements our dedicated educators – always keeping students first. My clear priorities are: Master the basics in reading, writing, and math; Keep parents informed and actively involved; Protecting classrooms and directing funds to students and teachers. I am committed to serving with integrity, transparency, and a relentless student-first approach. I respectfully ask for your support. Vote Greg Meister for PUSD School Board – Area 4.
Lillian Durbin Bio from PUSD:
"Lillian Durbin serves as President of the Porterville Unified School District Board of Trustees with a deeply personal connection to the power of education. As a former foster youth, school provided stability, support, and opportunity when little else did—an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to students. After more than 45 years in education, from instructional aide to principal, serving on the Board is a continuation of her dedication to opening doors for future generations.
As a trustee, Lillian views her role as both paying back and paying forward the opportunities education provided her. She is inspired by the remarkable thinking of PUSD students and by the dedication of educators, staff, administrators, and fellow Board members who work together to create meaningful learning experiences every day.
Representing her trustee area and the broader community is an honor she takes seriously, grounded in a shared goal with families: helping students grow into successful, engaged members of the community. Thank you, Lillian Durbin, for your leadership, perspective, and continued commitment to creating opportunities and changing lives across PUSD." (Photo taken from PUSD Website)
Jose Tapia Bio:
I’m running for PUSD Area 5 School Board because I believe our community deserves a voice that is willing to listen, learn, and be present.
As an active member of the Porterville community, involved in coaching and several parent groups, I’ve experienced firsthand how frustrating it can be when concerns don’t feel heard or when the people making decisions seem disconnected from what students, families, educators, coaches, and community members are experiencing every day.
I believe our School Board needs members who are connected to the community and willing to truly listen—not only when it’s convenient, but especially when classified and certificated employees raise concerns or bring different perspectives to the table.
I’m not running because I believe I have all the answers. I’m running because I’m ready to learn, ask questions, do the work, and, most importantly, listen to the people who are on the ground every day supporting our students.
Our students, families, educators, coaches, and community members deserve to know their voices matter.
If elected, I am ready to listen, ready to learn, and most importantly, ready to be a strong voice for the students, families, educators, and community of Area 5.
Felipe A. Martinez Bio from PUSD:
“Felipe A. Martinez serves on the Porterville Unified School District Board with a deep commitment to student advocacy and community accountability. Long before joining the Board, he was a trusted resource for students and families—making service as a trustee a natural extension of his dedication to doing what is best for students.
Known for his accessibility and open-door approach, Felipe believes in listening carefully, communicating clearly, and being accountable to the community he serves. As a lifelong member of the Porterville community, he is motivated by the mentors who shaped his own journey and is committed to passing those lessons on to the next generation.
Inspired by the determination and potential of PUSD students, Felipe is proud to work alongside families and staff to ensure every student is supported, prepared, and ready for the path ahead. Thank you, Felipe A. Martinez, for your leadership and service to PUSD.” (Photo taken from PUSD Website)
Jim Carson Bio:
I have spent more than three decades working in education, including seven years teaching in Porterville Unified and 26 years at the college level. I also previously served on the Porterville Unified School District Board of Trustees, giving me the opportunity to understand our schools from both the classroom and governance perspectives.
If elected, I will bring experience, common sense, and an independent voice to the Board. I believe good decisions require listening to teachers, staff, parents, administrators, and our community—but my first responsibility will always be to the students of Porterville Unified. I will approach every issue fairly, consider the facts, and make the decision I believe is best for our students and our schools.
Rudy Ruiz Bio from PUSD:
"Rudy Ruiz serves on the Porterville Unified School District Board with a clear purpose: helping ensure every student has access to meaningful opportunities and a strong education. His desire to make a difference is rooted in a belief that students should be encouraged to aim high and know that their potential has no limits.
As a trustee, Rudy values teamwork and the Board's shared responsibility for supporting students and strengthening the communities they serve. He is continually inspired by PUSD students—their willingness to volunteer, their drive to go above and beyond, and their determination to succeed even when faced with challenges.
Thank you, Rudy Ruiz, for your service and for championing opportunities that help PUSD students reach for the stars." (Photo taken from PUSD Website)
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