Voters in the Santa Maria Valley will pick between an incumbent and a challenger in the race to fill the Santa Barbara County Board of Education Area 5 seat.
They are incumbent Judy Frost and challenger Griselda Ruiz, a business owner and mom.
Area 5 represents the southeastern areas of Santa Maria along with Orcutt, Sisquoc and Garey.
The County Board of Education “sets SBCEO and County Board policies, approves the SBCEO budget, approves the SBCEO Local Control and Accountability Plan, and serves as an appeals board for inter-district transfer requests, student expulsions, and charter school applications.”
Three seats on the county board were up for grabs this year.
No one filed to challenge Marybeth Carty, the incumbent, for the Area 1 seat so it won’t appear on the ballot. She represents part of Santa Barbara along with Montecito and Carpinteria.
For Trustee Area 7, voters will choose between incumbent Vedamarie Alvarez Flores and challenger Sally Lopez, business development manager, for the seat representing the northeastern areas of Santa Maria.
The County Board of Education has seven members in total representing various areas, with more information and maps of the district available by clicking here.
Judy Frost, incumbent
Question: Why are you running for the Santa Barbara County Board of Education?
Frost: I view public service as a profound duty and a significant honor. As a trustee on the SBCBOE I can apply my professional background and experience for the benefit of our local community. One of my priority interests in continuing to serve as a trustee is ensuring there is fiscal accountability in the management of public funds. I uphold a firm commitment to fiscal accountability, ensuring our public funds are managed with absolute care and efficiency.
Question: What are the three most pressing issues facing the SBCBOE in the next four years? How would you address these issues?
Even with ongoing maintenance care, some facilities for the SB County Department of Education are in need of improvement in quality and quantity. To assess this issue the staff is evaluating current facility needs. The Board will work to develop a plan to make improvements or possible relocation options. Space is a challenge in both the early childhood care and special education programs.
There are challenges in filling classroom employment positions in both the county special education program and the early childhood education program. Staff holds employment workshops and updates the board on status.
Question: What experience and expertise would you bring to the school board?
Frost: I am committed to active listening, posing meaningful questions, and fostering cooperation to ensure the priorities of our students and families remain paramount. My experience in finance, education, the arts, and philanthropy include: working as controller for technology companies in Orange County and managing director of the Pacific Conservatory Theater (PCPA) in Santa Maria; formal education includes a B.S. in accounting from CSU Long Beach and a M.B.A. in management from Pepperdine University; and community service experience includes leadership and volunteer roles with organizations throughout Santa Barbara County including the Marian Hospital Quality Committee, Allan Hancock College Foundation Board, Santa Barbara Foundation Board (former Board Chair), Scholarship Foundation Board of Santa Barbara (Honorary Board Member), and PCPA Foundation (Emeritus).
Griselda Ruiz, business owner/mom
Question: Why are you running for the Santa Barbara County Board of Education?
Ruiz: I am running because I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, parents deserve a seat at the table, and every school community deserves to be heard. As a parent of two school-age children, and a proud product of our local schools, I understand how important education is to our families and our community.
I see the County Board of Education as an important bridge between families, schools, and the resources students need to succeed. I want to help strengthen that connection by promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration. I believe we must listen to parents, support educators, and make decisions that put students first. My goal is to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported, and that families know their voices matter in decisions affecting their children’s education.
The County Office of Education serves the county’s most vulnerable students including those who have been expelled, incarcerated, foster youth or have special needs. I want to help implement programs to keep students in the classroom. Santa Maria and Orcutt have always been home to me, I want to give back to the community that has shaped me by serving our youth and helping create greater opportunities for generations to come.
Question: What are the three most pressing issues facing the SBCBOE in the next four years? How would you address these issues?
Ruiz: The three issues I believe deserve our attention are school safety and student well-being, educational opportunities for all students, and accountability and transparency.
First, student safety and mental health must remain priorities. We need to strengthen bullying prevention, provide appropriate mental health support, and ensure teachers and staff receive the training they need to recognize and respond to students’ needs.
Second, we must work to ensure every student has access to the resources and support needed to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. This requires collaboration among schools, families, educators, and community partners.
Third, we need responsible financial oversight, transparency, and meaningful family involvement. I believe parents deserve a seat at the table, and families should understand how decisions are made and how resources are being used. As a board member, I would listen to diverse perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and work collaboratively to make responsible decisions that serve students and strengthen our schools.
Question: What experience and expertise would you bring to the school board?
Ruiz: As a local business owner, a parent, and a graduate of our local schools, I bring a combination of community, family, and business experience. I earned my bachelor’s degree in business, which provided me with a foundation in business principles, organization, and responsible decision-making.
Through my professional experience, I am no stranger to problem-solving, securing resources, and turning ideas and opportunities into meaningful results. I understand the importance of finding practical solutions, building relationships, and working collaboratively to accomplish goals.
Being bilingual allows me to help bridge communication gaps and build connections between families, schools, and the community. I believe every family should have the opportunity to understand the decisions affecting their children and feel heard, respected, and included.
I would bring a commitment to accountability, transparency, collaboration, and putting students first. I believe effective leadership begins with listening, asking questions, and working together toward solutions that benefit our students, families, and educational community.
