Jim O’Neill is the current representative for Area 5 on the Redlands School Board. With decades of service to RUSD - first as a principal and then as a board member - Jim has been an incredible advocate of education and beloved leader in our district.

“As my term on the school board winds down, I am encouraged and relieved that Valerie has stepped forward to run for my Area 5 seat. I believe she is exceptionally equipped to carry forward our District’s mission with integrity, respect, teamwork and advocacy for all students.  

Valerie has reached out to me on several occasions and I have found her to be committed to our core values of excellence, equity, respect, civility, and responsibility.  She understands the balance required between following California statutes, the Education Code, and the Constitution and personal beliefs and convictions. She also understands the role of school board trustees and is not afraid to engage in discussions and ask the hard questions.  She seems patient, pensive, and methodical in her approach to the issues confronting the education system which are necessary in this volatile environment.

As I step down in November, I do so with the confidence that with Valerie and my colleagues on our Board, along with our Superintendent and staff, our district is in capable and competent hands.  I have no doubt that Valerie will bring innovative ideas, fresh energy, and common sense to tackle the ongoing challenges public education faces.

You should know that I wholeheartedly endorse Melissa for Trustee Area 3, Alex for Trustee Area 4 and Valerie for Trustee Area 5 and I appeal to you to give them your support for the sake of our students, employees, and community.  It is only with Alex, Melissa, and Valerie’s successful bid that our school district not only continues with its standard of excellence but successfully navigates these most challenging of times saturated with misinformation and political dissent. There is no doubt that Valerie, Alex, and Melissa are the right choices.  

Vote Alex Vara, Melissa Ayala-Quintero, and Valerie Taber for School Board!”