Dear Neighbors,

 Education is the pillar of our society. It is the key to a successful and prosperous nation. Education has a purpose in this world. It is intended to be the key that opens doors to our students. Education is the key that sees no race, skin color or socio economic level. In our society, this key can forever change lives, improve human conditions and give freedom. For these reasons I am a candidate for the School Board of Chula Vista.

As an educator, school principal and father, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities education has conceded me. I believe in the promise of public education because it has enabled me to break away from the cycle of generational poverty. In my journey of life I have been a farm worker, a school custodian, a teacher and today a school principal. Public education has granted me the opportunity to reach my dreams and to raise my family in this beautiful city of ours, Chula Vista.

Today, I am grateful for my blessings and feel it is time to give back to our community. I aspire to work with you for the benefit of our students, teachers and families. I am bringing over 15 years of experience in education and leadership to support the shared decision-making within our district. I want to work on your behalf to ensure our students continue to make strong academic growth and most importantly, I want to work on ensuring our students are safe at school.

Michael Deangelo Jackson is an educator and community servant. Having dedicated several years to the American public as a member of the United States Marine Corps, Michael went on to pursue a career as a healthcare professional and educator. Michael continues to serve his community not only as an adjunct faculty member for physical and mental health courses, but also as an externship and leadership instructor. Michael proudly serves in an adjunct capacity at his alma mater, Southwestern College, as well as at National University, California State University – San Marcos, and MiraCosta College.

For Michael, leadership, healthcare, and education are synonymous. This fact was illustrated when Governor Jerry Brown appointed him, in the role of faculty member, to the Board of Registered Nursing in May 2012. Additionally, Michael has served as Chair of the Statewide Educational/Licensing Committee since 2012 as well as Vice President of National Nurses United. Michael’s passion for healthcare advocacy did not begin with these leadership roles, however. In 2011, Michael identified himself as a team player and team leader as part of the bargaining team for the California Nurses Association UC Division contract, a role he proudly accepted a second time in 2013. These actions transitioned Michael from merely caring about healthcare to being a true champion of the cause.

Since those early beginnings, Michael has also participated as a panel speaker for Alpha Epsilon Delta at the University of California San Diego campus for students interested in Allied Health careers (January 2013), participated as a workshop speaker at the First Global Summit Nursing Conference in Manila, Philippines (January 2014), and served as a guest lecturer for the Assembly in Men in Nursing (November 2015). In each instance, Michael has inspired future potential members and encouraged current champions of healthcare professions to action.

Michael’s passion for and knowledge of the field is exhibited through his active participation in healthcare organizations such as California Nurses Association/National Nurses United, the Black Nurses Association, and the National Black Nurses Association as well as his advocacy leadership roles, speaking out on issues to include violence against healthcare workers, the Propositions B&C campaigns to protect the environment and children with asthma in Barrio Logan, the Ebola Protection Act for healthcare workers in California and the United States, the Main Street Campaign, and, most recently, bus services for students attending Olympian High School. Jackson is also a member of both California Teachers Association and California Faculty Association. Michael’s talent as a leader is not only recognized by public figures, as with his appointment as Safety Commissioner by Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and the City Council for Chula Vista, but he is also distinguished as a man of excellence by his peers, as is indicated by his 2013 selection as Vice President of the Board of Nursing and his 2015 election as the President of the Board of Nursing.

A veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Sea Angel, Michael is a Kansas City native who currently resides in Chula Vista for 13 years with his lovely wife, Arlene, of 16 years. Michael and Arlene met while attending nursing school together at Southwestern Community College and have two beautiful children, Jazzy and Max, ages 15 and four.

The starting point on a road map of success begins with a solid foundation in early childhood education. One of the reasons why I am running for the School Board is to lend my strong voice of advocacy to the children of working families. After speaking to my neighbors, parents, and meeting with teachers in the district, I see the need for collaborative leadership.

As your Board Member, I will bring many years of educational experience, leadership, public service, and an understanding of population needs to the district. That experience will be put to work for families, educators and stakeholders for the success of our children. I would like to bring a more progressive agenda to the district.

As a proud parent of two children, one who attended Wolfe Canyon and the other set to start his elementary school journey soon, I understand what the issues are.