The 76-year tradition fills Memorial Chapel with music, candlelight, and joy from Dec. 6-8. This year features the debut of a student composition and an ASL interpreter, enhancing the beloved celebration of the nativity story.
TN Street warehouse fate decided, Community survey results mixed, Final chance to dine at iconic restaurant and U of R get national spotlight
Melissa Ayala-Quintero is running for re-election to Redlands Unified School Board Area 3.
Ayala-Quintero has lived in Southern California her entire life and has called Redlands home for the past 14 years. As a mother of three children who have attended RUSD schools, she has been actively involved in the school community, starting with her work in the Smiley Elementary PTA. Over the years, she has moved from PTA president to serving as a Board Trustee for Area 3.
Ayala-Quintero emphasizes increasing student access to mental health services, student safety and increasing community involvement in the school.
Ayala-Quintero is running against Lawrence Paul Hebron in Area 3. Click the map below for a detailed view of districts.
Ayala-Quintero campaign for the RUSD School Board has raised $26,472.
For this section, Community Forward Redlands asked each candidate the same five questions. These are their responses. Candidates were asked to keep their responses around 100 words. Responses were edited only for grammar or spelling errors. We also made candidates aware that we will make note of any statement that includes factual inaccuracies or conjecture.
I would like to see increased community involvement in our schools. We are fortunate to have an incredible community, and each of us has a role to play in supporting our school district.
I've lived in Redlands for over 14 years, raising my children here. During this time, I've connected with a wonderful community of families and friends. I’ve found my "village"—a network of caring people who supported me in raising my children and entrusted me with the privilege of helping with theirs. Redlands is a loving, diverse community, and I take great pride in knowing that my children consider it their hometown.
When I joined the RUSD Board in 2020, my goal was to serve my community and ensure that parents had a voice in the safe return to in-person learning. At that time, I had three children in RUSD schools, and it was crucial to me that their interests were represented by a parent who genuinely cared. This commitment remains my driving force today. Although the issues may have changed, my dedication to the community is unwavering. I aim to advocate for both parents and students, recognizing that each student is unique with varying needs. My goal is to support and provide the necessary services to help every student thrive.
Increasing access to mental health services and support is crucial. Many children today are struggling with depression and anxiety, often in silence. It’s vital to have professionals who can identify and recognize these signs early on.
Another priority of mine is helping students use social media responsibly. Our children face daily threats to their safety at school, often from "jokes" or posts shared by peers who don't grasp the seriousness of these threats. I aim to educate students on how they can contribute to keeping their school community safe.
Last, and most important, is student safety. Every day, our children navigate various environments—walking home from school, taking the bus and interacting on social media. It is crucial that they are equipped to handle unwanted interactions, whether from someone they know or a stranger. We must prioritize educating our students on strategies to stay safe in all situations, ensuring they understand how to recognize and respond to potential threats. By fostering this awareness, we can help our children feel secure and confident as they move through their daily lives.
I am a parent of two RUSD graduates and one current student. For over a decade, I volunteered daily at my children’s schools before joining the school board. This experience provided me with valuable insight into the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. I observed firsthand how they often invest their own time and resources to enrich their students' educational experiences. I've also seen the delicate balance required to ensure that parents, teachers, staff, students and the community collaborate effectively to support and nurture the future generations of our community.
I would like to see increased community involvement in our schools. We are fortunate to have an incredible community, and each of us has a role to play in supporting our school district. Whether it's driving a bus, working as a paraprofessional, volunteering with the PTA or assisting in the classroom, every contribution matters! I encourage everyone to come together for the benefit of our children. When we unite in this effort, we take greater care and pride in shaping the future of Redlands. By working together, we can enhance the educational experience for all students and build a stronger, more connected community.
Website: Melissa for RUSD
Social media: Instagram | Facebook
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