Two women are running for the Santa Barbara County Board of Education Area 7 seat.

They are incumbent Vedamarie Alvarez Flores and Sally Lopez, business development manager. 

Area 7 includes the northeastern areas of Santa Maria. 

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 5, two people are running — incumbent Judy Frost and challenger Griselda Ruiz, a business owner and mom. That area represents the southeastern areas of Santa Maria along with Orcutt, Sisquoc and Garey.

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. 

Vedamarie Alvarez Flores, Area 7 incumbent 

Question: Why are you running for the Santa Barbara County of Board of Education?

Alvarez Flores: Re-election is the journey I am on as current Trustee for Area 7. Important work that is currently at the forefront of the county agenda for our Santa Maria area needs to be finished. These focus areas will not only enhance our community, but also the Santa Barbara County Office of Education programs and services:

– County programs centered in one community location to service all North County students and their families.

– Continue to create vital connections that empower our community to realize the full potential of education.

– Continue to support critical services countywide, that support our local educational agencies with solvency, transparency, and accountability.

I feel an ownership of, and responsibility for, completing what began 3 1/2 years ago when I became part of this County School Board as a Trustee.

Question: What do you think are the three most pressing issues the Santa Barbara County Board of Education faces over the next four years? How would you address these issues?

Alvarez Flores: I believe that there are ongoing pressing issues due to ongoing mandate changes from State and Federal agencies. Current ones are:

– Technology and AI Governance: all regional educators and agencies continue to review and modify policies, and balancing digital access, which brings in restrictions for usage on student devices with the rising integration and oversight of AI in classrooms, as well as cell phone usage restrictions.

– Housing services for all support programs and services the County Office has grown to provide, with a clear priority on keeping students safe, and expand future programs as needed.

– Promoting personal well-being and expanding social-emotional learning through a variety of initiatives countywide.

I would address these issues, as well as all issues that come through our door, with the collaboration skills and dedication of inquiry as a working Board Trustee who will maintain a cooperative and supportive working relationship with the other Board Trustee members and County Superintendent.

What experience and expertise would you bring to the school board?

Alvarez Flores: I was born and raised in Santa Maria, attended Cook Street School, El Camino Jr High, Santa Maria High School, Allan Hancock Jr College, UCSB and Pepperdine University and have raised our family in Santa Maria. Our three daughters also attended the public schools here in Santa Maria. I also am a professional educator with more than 40 years of service to the Santa Maria Bonita School District. In my retirement years I have been a School Board Trustee for the Santa Maria Bonita School Board for 6 1/2 years. I currently am a student teacher supervisor through Cal State Lutheran for our district Residency Pathways Program.

During these years of gaining experiences in the education business, I have been a negotiator for our Union bargaining team, coordinator of North County Teachers Induction Program for 17 years and have had the pleasure of working on many committees in the area of Student Services and Teacher Services. I feel well versed in the area of education and am passionate about servicing the students of our Santa Barbara County toward positive life outcomes.

Sally Lopez, Business development manager

Question: Why are you running for the Santa Barbara County Board of Education?

Lopez: I am running for the Santa Barbara County Board of Education because I believe every student deserves access to a strong education and the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, or circumstances.

As a parent, business professional, and active community volunteer, I have seen how important it is for schools, families, businesses, and community organizations to work together. I also recognize the unique role of the County Board in providing oversight of county-operated education programs, approving the budget and Local Control and Accountability Plan, considering appeals, and providing leadership and advocacy for students throughout Santa Barbara County.

I want to make sure our most vulnerable students do not fall through the cracks. I also want to strengthen connections between education and the opportunities available after graduation, including college, career technical education, trades, and our local workforce.

I am running to bring a practical, collaborative, and community-focused perspective to the Board. I believe in transparency, fiscal responsibility, accountability, and asking the right questions to ensure our resources and decisions remain focused on one thing: helping students succeed.

Question: What do you think are the three most pressing issues the Santa Barbara County Board of Education faces over the next four years? How would you address these issues?

Lopez: The first is closing achievement and opportunity gaps, particularly for our most vulnerable students. The County Board should use its policy, budget, LCAP, oversight, and advocacy responsibilities to ensure county-operated programs are producing meaningful outcomes and resources are reaching students who need them most.

Second is college, career, and workforce readiness. Not every student will follow the same path after graduation. I would advocate for stronger partnerships among schools, community colleges, local employers, trades, nonprofits, and career technical education programs so students understand the opportunities available to them and can connect education to meaningful careers.

Third is fiscal accountability and responsible governance. Resources are limited, and every dollar should have a purpose. As a Board member, I would carefully review budgets, programs, and outcomes; ask questions; and support investments that demonstrate value for students.

The County Board also hears important student matters, including expulsion and interdistrict attendance appeals. I would approach those responsibilities fairly and objectively, recognizing that these decisions can significantly affect a student’s education and future.

Question: What experience and expertise would you bring to the school board?

Lopez: I would bring a combination of business experience, public service, community involvement, and the perspective of a parent.

My community service has allowed me to work alongside educators, families, businesses, nonprofits, and local government. Through my involvement with schools, Rotary, youth programs, and community organizations, I have helped build partnerships, raise resources, and create opportunities for young people.

I understand that a County Board member’s role is one of governance, oversight, advocacy, and thoughtful decision-making—not managing individual school districts. I know how to listen, collaborate, ask difficult questions, and work toward solutions.

Above all, I would bring a student-centered approach and a commitment to ensuring decisions are transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on expanding opportunities for students throughout Santa Barbara County.