Endorsements
“I’m proud to support Michelle Nelson for Gilroy Unified School District Board of Education.
Michelle brings something incredibly valuable to the Board: decades of firsthand knowledge of GUSD’s classrooms, contracts, personnel, budgeting, and internal operations. That experience, combined with her deep commitment to our students, teachers, staff, and families, gives her an understanding of our school district that simply can’t be replicated overnight.
She knows our schools. She knows our community. Experience matters. Knowledge matters. Commitment matters.
I’m proud to support Michelle Nelson for GUSD Trustee Area 3.”
Stefanie Elle MA, Planning Commissioner, City of Gilroy
“As my first term on the GUSD School Board comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the growth and hard work of the past four years. Even with over a decade of prior experience in education, serving as a trustee has been a powerful learning journey that requires patience, open communication, and true collaboration.
I am especially grateful to work alongside Michelle Nelson. Michelle has been a fantastic mentor and role model, teaching me how to advocate passionately and effectively for our community. Her work ethic is unmatched—she shows up thoroughly prepared for every meeting, asks insightful questions, and stays closely connected to our schools and families.
School board work is challenging, but Michelle ensures that every student, parent, and district employee is heard. I am proud to give her my enthusiastic endorsement.”
Gabriella Kim, Trustee
Past Gilroy Teachers Association Presidents
Lindsay Hack
Vince Oberst
Dale Morejon
Phyllis Bartu
Maureen Romac
Kathleen Wakely
Educators
Lajette England
Elaine Knutzen
Kim Joe
Kim Lea
Sarah Fisher
Rosie Cid-Castro
Donya Maiorino
Marah Kuwada
Jill Fortino
Sonya Morley
Mark Rose
Gretchen Yoder-Schrock
Julie Mangono
Nicky Austin
Heather Beard
Tom Brozene
Nikki Morejon
Christy Lafaille
Kara Armijo
Rosie Ramon
Prominent Community Members
Dr. Deborah Flores
Former Superintendent
Edwin Diaz* and Delia Diaz
Former Superintendent*
Tuyen Fiack
GUSD School Board President
Gabriela Kim
Trustee
Kenny Moreno
Trustee
Linda Piceno
Trustee
Hyon-Chu Yi-Baker
Trustee
Melissa Aguirre
Former Trustee
Mark Good
Former Trustee
James Pace
Former Trustee
Enrique Diaz
Former Trustee
Jaime Rosso* and Evelia Rosso
Former Trustee*
John Horner
Morgan Hill Unified School District Board President
Pat Carpio-Aguilar
Fremont Union High School District Trustee
Carol Marques
Gilroy City Council Member
Connie Rogers
Former Gilroy City Council Member
Gene Sakahara* and Kathy Sakahara
Former Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and
Past President of the Gilroy Garlic Festival
Sam Bozzo
Former Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources (Monterey County)
and Past President of the Gilroy Garlic Festival
Sal Tomasello* and Annie Tomasello
Former Principal Solorsano Middle School*
Roger Cornia
Former Principal of South Valley Junior High
Paula Cornia
Former Principal of El Roble
Marilyn Ayala
Former Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Martha Martinez
Planning Commissioner
Stefanie Elle
Planning Commissioner
Patricia Bentson
Planning Commissioner
Annedore Kushner
Former Planning Commissioner
Joel Goldsmith* and Paula Goldsmith
Former President and CEO of Goldsmith Seeds
Erin O-Brien
Former President and CEO of Community Solutions
Whitney Pintello
Business Owner and Artist
John Perez, DDS.
Lori Hawk
Francisca Garcia
Cammie Brown