Colton--Dan Flores has announced that he will seek election to fill the vacated seat on the Colton Joint Unified School District Board of Education. At a special meeting on June 28, the Board of Education voted unanimously to place the vacant seat on the November 6 ballot.

“Our schools are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Flores, “with the state threatening cuts to education, the school district could become financially insolvent in less than two years. If we fail to meet our obligations, we run the risk of losing local control of our schools. We cannot let that happen. I am running to ensure that the district remains financially stable so we can provide the best education possible for our children.”

Flores is the first candidate to publicly announce his candidacy for the vacated seat and enters the race with strong support from local leaders, including Board of Supervisors Chair Josie Gonzales, City of Colton Mayor Sarah Zamora, and City of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren.

Additionally, Flores has garnered support from current board members Patt Haro and Laura Morales. “Working as a team is vital to any successful board,” said Flores. “Receiving the support of current board members is an affirmation that my experience and professional expertise makes me the best candidate for the job.”

Flores is a graduate of Colton High School and a life-long resident of the district. He currently serves on the district’s Measure G Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

As the Chief of Staff for Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Flores works at the highest levels of local government. “I know that my experience as a public administrator will bring value to the board during this difficult time. The county has balanced its budget deficit without mass layoffs or severe reductions in services. We have made reasonable cuts from top to bottom and successfully negotiated concessions with employee groups.”

Flores stands ready to run as a strong, independent candidate. “There is no room for politics or special interest on the board of education,” he stated. “The goal has to be to work together to do what is right for the students and the families we serve. I am a product of this district and an example of the success that can be achieved through education. It is my turn to give back to the school district that helped me become the person I am today.”