Linda Baker Torres, Oxnard Union High School District Trustee

I am truly honored and deeply grateful to announce that I have earned the endorsement of the Ventura County Democratic Party for my reelection campaign for Oxnard Union High School District Trustee, Area 2. I am also incredibly proud to have the endorsement of the Oxnard Federation of Teachers and School Employees (OFTSE) and the Central Coast Labor Council.

I am equally grateful to the many teachers, classified employees, paraprofessionals, parents, grandparents, community members, coaches, retired educators, and friends who have endorsed my campaign. Every endorsement is a vote of confidence that I will never take for granted.

These endorsements represent educators, classified employees, paraprofessionals, working families, and thousands of union members throughout Ventura County. Your confidence in me means so much, and I don’t take it for granted.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your endorsement and your confidence in my candidacy. I remain committed to serving with integrity, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and an unwavering focus on what is best for our students, staff, and community. I will work hard every day to justify the confidence you have placed in me and to make you proud of your decision to endorse me.

Thank you for believing in me, for your encouragement, and for your trust. I would be honored to earn your continued support and your vote on November 3.

Together, we will continue putting students first. 🗳️📚✏️🎓

Yesterday I officially filed my nomination papers to seek reelection as your Oxnard Union High School District Trustee, Area 2.

Serving the students, families, employees, and community of the Oxnard Union High School District has been a great honor. As a retired paraprofessional who spent 40 years serving this district, I understand the importance of putting students first while also supporting the dedicated employees who make a difference in their lives every day.

I am truly humbled and honored to have earned the endorsements of so many dedicated individuals, along with the endorsement of the Oxnard Federation of Teachers and School Employees (OFTSE), representing more than 1,300 certificated, classified, and paraprofessional employees of the Oxnard Union High School District, and the endorsement of the Central Coast Labor Council, representing more than 70,000 working people throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Among these meaningful endorsements, the endorsement of the Oxnard Federation of Teachers and School Employees (OFTSE) holds a very special place in my heart. As a retired paraprofessional and former OFTSE member who proudly served on its Executive Board for more than a decade, receiving the endorsement of the organization that represented me throughout my career is truly an honor.

These endorsements mean so much to me because they reflect the trust of educators, paraprofessionals, classified employees, campus supervisors, parents, community members, and working families who have seen my commitment to listening, asking thoughtful questions, promoting transparency, being fiscally responsible, and always keeping students at the center of every decision.

Every endorsement is a vote of confidence that I will never take for granted.

While I am deeply grateful for the endorsements I have already received, I hope to continue earning your trust, your endorsement, and your vote as we work together to keep students at the center of every decision.

I would be honored to earn your endorsement and your vote on November 3, 2026.

Thank you for your support.
Linda Baker Torres 📚✏️🎓

At the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, June 24, the Board voted to appoint Dr. Virginia Kelsen as Superintendent of the Oxnard Union High School District, effective July 1, 2026.

Congratulations, Dr. Kelsen! I wish you every success as you begin this new role leading our district. I look forward to working together in support of our students, staff, families, and community.

The Board also officially said goodbye to Dr. Tom McCoy as he concludes his service to OUHSD. Thank you for your dedication to our district, and congratulations on your appointment as Superintendent of the Burbank Unified School District. Wishing you all the best in your new chapter.

Congratulations to both Dr. Kelsen and Dr. McCoy as you each begin your new journeys. Best wishes for continued success!

📢To everyone who attended last night’s board meeting—in person or online—thank you. For everyone who sent emails, texts or called me- Thank you. Over 500 attendees, 75 speakers, and 16+ pages of recommendations from OFTSE members, proving just how deeply this community cares. I am especially proud of the students who spoke.

I hear you. I see you. And I am listening.

Declining enrollment is our new reality, projected through 2033. A major concern raised was financial mismanagement and why action wasn’t taken sooner on declining enrollment. As Dr. McCoy explained, we invested in people—using one-time funds to keep staff. We still believe in our people, which makes these decisions even harder.

This Board is composed of current or former educators. When we talk about layoffs, we aren’t talking about numbers, we are talking about people. We’re talking about our friends, our families, and our community. This district isn’t just where I serve—it was our home for years. Many of you have known me since Rick and I worked at Rio Mesa, where our kids went to school and through the years of living in the community. Even if we haven’t met, we are all connected. You are not just a number - you matter.

Progress is happening:
✅ 100 staff have opted into the Supplemental Retirement Plan, reducing the proposed Certificated layoffs from 110 to 44 and Classified layoffs from 74 to 56. The plan remains open to eligible staff until March 14, as does the $700 incentive.

Last night, Dr. McCoy recommended tabling the resolutions for a special board meeting. Trustee Sher made the motion, President Flores-Haro seconded it, and it passed unanimously (5-0). The district has committed to working with OFTSE to explore alternative cuts, and we will reconvene on Wednesday, March 5, at 4:30 PM.

🔹 We need your input. 83% of our budget is staff, so every realistic recommendation matters. We may not get the number of layoffs to zero, but together, we will work to reduce the impact.

I understand the weight of your concerns, hopes, and frustrations. That’s why I am committed to doing everything I can to minimize layoffs—including reducing my own board stipend. Nothing is final until May 15.

💡 Share your ideas. We are in this together. You can count on me to give my best for all of us. 💜

Wednesday, February 27, 2025






Thank you President Flores-Haro

Our “Why?”

January: School Board Appreciation Month Join us in celebrating our dedicated Board of Trustees who work tirelessly to support our schools and students. This month, we’re highlighting each trustee’s...

Congratulations Dave! Way to go. 👏

Congratulations to all 👏

Congratulations to all! 👏

Congrats to ACHS teachers Dale Perizolo (Emerging Teacher of the Year) and John Gonzalez (Regional Teacher of the Year) for winning prestigious Cue Awards for the leadership and innovation in teaching with technology!!!

I was so happy to get to visit with students and staff at the Hueneme, Channel Islands, and Camarillo Condor sites this week, thanks to Principal Mark Conteras. It was wonderful to get student feedback and to hear their appreciation of their teachers and school. I look forward to visiting the other sites in the next few weeks.