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Joseph Navarro, President
Trustee Area 4 - joseph_navarro@jusd.k12.ca.us
Schools in Trustee Area 4: Ina Arbuckle Elementary, Mission Middle School, Pre-K School Readiness Center,
West Riverside Elementary
Joseph Navarro, who goes by Joe, was born and raised in Southern California. He attended Riverside public schools before receiving a degree in History from Cal State San Bernardino. He and his brother operate a business that provides point-of-sale systems, cash registers, and digital menus to restaurants and retailers across the United States.
Joe’s experience with school boards began in the 6th grade while he was attending Magnolia Elementary and wrote a speech to the RUSD Board asking that there be more 2% milk in schools. The speech worked, but Joe’s true motivation to run for School Board came after he moved to Jurupa Valley. Knowing his daughter would one day attend Jurupa schools, he realized he wanted to put his time and effort into the district. His fiance, as well as many of her friends and relatives, also teaches for JUSD. These ties provided further insight and encouragement.
Joe is heavily invested in the advancement of CTE and technology. While he has many hobbies and interests, his primary focus is his daughter, Jaxyn.
Eric Ditwiler, Ph.D., Clerk
Trustee Area 2 - eric_ditwiler@jusd.k12.ca.us
Schools in Trustee Area 2: Camino Real Elementary, Jurupa Middle, Mira Loma Middle, Pedley Elementary,
Stone Avenue Elementary, Troth Street Elementary, Van Buren Elementary
Dr. Eric Ditwiler attended public schools in Moscow, Idaho, and relocated to Southern California to attend college in Claremont. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s degree in philosophy, and a doctorate in education.
He has worked in higher education his entire adult life and is currently the Director of Assessment, Institutional Research, and Reporting for the Southern California University of Health Sciences. As a result, he knows how to figure out what is working and what is not in the provision of education, and how to fully utilize instructional technology to engage students and enable learning. He has seen what truly excellent education takes and knows that it cannot be obtained without the enthusiasm of a committed faculty.
He lives with his wife and two stepsons, who both attend Jurupa Unified schools. To keep the kids from playing too many video games, he encourages family bike rides and household projects. An Australian Cattle Dog named Max keeps everyone in the family busy and entertained.
Karen Bradford, M.A., Trustee
Trustee Area 3 - karen_bradford@jusd.k12.ca.us
Schools in Trustee Area 3: Del Sol Academy, Jurupa Valley High, Sky Country Elementary
Karen Bradford is an award-winning writer, public relations planner, and photographer whose work has ranged from an archaeology and paleontology museum to cyberspace forensics. She was the public relations manager for The Press-Enterprise and a campus communications officer at the University of California, Riverside. Her degrees are a bachelor of arts in photojournalism and a master of arts in public relations.
Ms. Bradford was appointed to and chaired the Riverside County Commission for Women, officially advising the county's board of supervisors on matters of county women and their families; chaired several nonprofit boards; currently serves as a board director for Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and was honored on the Riverside County YWCA's centennial as a Woman of Achievement. She coordinated local and international grants and scholarships through her membership in Rotary International and contributed as a volunteer photojournalist on Rotary medical missions in India, Peru, and Venezuela. Karen has traveled extensively through the world, often alone, and has found kindness in every culture.
Her goals for JUSD are that each student graduates, is encouraged to seek vocational or higher education, and is prepared for adulthood.
Pamela Blynn,Trustee
Trustee Area 1
Schools in Trustee Area 1: Glen Avon Elementary, Granite Hill Elementary, Mission Bell Elementary,
Nueva Vista Continuation High, Patriot High, Sunnyslope Elementary
Melissa Ragole, Trustee
Trustee Area 5 - melissa_ragole@jusd.k12.ca.us
Schools in Trustee Area 5: Adult Alternative Education, Indian Hills Elementary, Pacific Avenue Academy of Music,
Peralta Elementary, Rubidoux High, Rustic Lane Elementary
Melissa Ragole was born in Okinawa, Japan. She has four siblings, including a twin sister. Her father’s military career brought the family to live in many places, though Mrs. Ragole spent most of her childhood in the Highland and Redlands area until her father’s retirement. She attended high school in Riverside and has lived in the Inland Empire for much of her life. She is passionate about her career in the beverage industry and has received certifications from the Court Master of Sommeliers to excel within her field.
Mrs. Ragole has two adult children who both attended Jurupa Schools. She believes being an involved parent contributes to student success, and during her daughter’s time at Patriot High School, Mrs. Ragole was involved in School Site Council and acted as Booster President for the high school band. She has also volunteered for many years for the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family organization, having served on the Board of Directors.
A natural advocate, Mrs. Ragole views herself as a liaison between the District and the Jurupa Community. Creating a positive environment is very important to her, and she strives to make herself approachable as a Board Member.
