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San Jacinto Board of Trustees Position 3:
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Salvador Serrano (Incumbent)
Phone: 281-832-0842
Email: Salserrano89@gmail.com
Facebook: Salvador Serrano Jr for San Jacinto College Trustee Position 3
Website: www.serranoforsanjac.com -
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Candidate Questionnaire​:1. What inspired you to run for the Pasadena independent School District Board of Trustees or the San Jacinto Board of Trustees?I have many years of dedicated involvement in our community and the Southeast Harris County areas, I am deeply committed to the betterment of our community college, where student success is our top priority.
San Jacinto College has built a strong reputation in our region for providing quality education and fostering valuable partnerships with industry leaders. I am eager to continue the successes of the college and work towards ensuring that our students and community thrive and grow together.
2. What qualifications, experience, and leadership skills prepare you for this role, including crisis response, crime prevention, financial literacy, and public communication?In addition to my role at San Jacinto College, I am actively involved on multiple boards across the city, including the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena ISD Education Foundtion, Pasadena Economic Development Corporation, and more. These experiences, coupled with my background as a business owner and alumni of Pasadena ISD schools, have equipped me with a wealth of knowledge to contribute to the San Jacinto Board of Trustees.3. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our school district / college? How would you address them?An important issue that our college is currently facing - the low enrollment of male students. Upon realizing this challenge, I was alarmed and motivated to address this issue at its core.It is imperative that we understand why male students are not enrolling in community college and take necessary steps to increase their enrollment. By encouraging and supporting more male students to pursue higher education, we can provide them with the opportunity to earn certificates or degrees that will benefit not only them but also the region as a whole.
4. What do you see as the biggest strengths and successes of our school district/college?One of our college's most significant advantages is our strong partnerships with various industries. By closely listening to the needs of our stakeholders and identifying the workforce requirements, we have tailored our curriculum and programs to meet these demands effectively. This collaboration is a surefire recipe for success where everyone emerges as a winner.Through these industry partnerships, our students gain access to promising job opportunities with competitive salaries. Simultaneously, industries benefit by recruiting skilled and well-prepared employees, contributing to the growth and prosperity of our region. When we succeed together, the entire community flourishes.
5. What is your vision for the school district/college in the next three to five years?One key aspect of my vision is to increase the male population and adult learners within our college community. By welcoming a more diverse student body, we can enrich the learning experience for everyone involved and provide opportunities for individuals from varied backgrounds to thrive.Additionally, I am keen on expanding our bachelor programs to cater to the needs of students who may find it challenging to travel to a traditional university setting. By offering relevant programs right in our local community, we can make higher education more convenient and attainable for those eager to continue their academic journey.
6. What are your top priorities for the first 6 months, and what policies or initiatives will you continue or change?I am excited to outline the key priorities that will drive our success over the next six months. Our Student Services department is a hidden gem, offering a wide range of support including housing assistance, mental health services, and childcare facilities.It is imperative that we amplify awareness about these vital resources among our student body. By enhancing accessibility and promoting these services effectively, we ensure that every student has the tools they need to excel despite personal challenges. At the end of the day, our goal is crystal clear - to guide each and every one of our students towards the stage of success and graduation.
7. Access to talent and workforce is the number one challenge facing our businesses and industries. What would you do to ensure that employers' needs are met, and students are graduating with the skills necessary to succeed?It is our collective belief that by actively engaging with industry stakeholders, we can ensure that our academic curriculums are not only relevant but also tailored to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. By inviting industry experts to the table, we aim to co-create curriculums that will effectively equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their respective fields.Ultimately, our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry, facilitating a seamless transition for students into the workforce while simultaneously meeting the talent demands of various industries.
8. Supporting local businesses is a chamber priority. What would you do to support local businesses as a Board Trustee?As a border trustee dedicated to supporting our community's growth and prosperity, I believe it is crucial to ensure that our small local businesses have access to the talented workforce they need to thrive.While our large industry partners are vital, we must not overlook the innovative potential found within our small businesses. Many of our students choose paths that lead them to entrepreneurship or to work at a small family business in our area. Therefore, we must strive to facilitate partnerships that bridge the gap between these businesses and the skilled individuals in our midst.
By bringing our small businesses to the table and facilitating connections with talented individuals, we can create a collaborative environment that benefits all parties involved. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where both our big industry partners and small local businesses flourish.
9. Collaboration among the chamber, city, school district, and college has been pivotal in achieving success both in educational programs and during times of natural disaster when coordinated efforts are necessary for recovery. What suggestions or ideas do you have for continued collaboration and enhanced partnerships?The invaluable impact of collaboration among our city chamber, school district, and college community in times of natural disasters. Our joint efforts have proven to be incredibly successful in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.Having witnessed firsthand the positive outcomes that stem from our unified approach, I am convinced that continued communication and partnership among all stakeholders are essential to our collective success. Building and maintaining strong communication channels between our respective organizations is not only crucial during times of crisis but also a key skill that drives success in all endeavors.
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