Board of Education

John B. de Leon, Esq., Board President 

portrait of John B. de LeonPhone: 626-856-4201
E-Mail: [email protected]

Term of Office: December 2022 - December 2026

John Bernard de Leon is a lifelong resident of the city of Baldwin Park. He attended Kenmore and Tracy Elementary schools, Sierra Vista Junior High, and graduated from Sierra Vista High School. He has five children in total -- three school-aged children attending BPUSD schools. He currently works as an attorney for the State of California. Mr. de Leon previously worked as both a corporate legal and workers' compensation attorney for State Compensation Insurance Fund, as a Deputy Labor Commissioner for the Labor Commissioner's Office, as a solo practitioner representing individuals and small businesses, and as an associate attorney at Paul Hastings representing large, multinational corporations. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for CASE—California Attorneys, Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers in State Employment and PABA — the Philippine American Bar Association.
 
Mr. de Leon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Southern California and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. 
 
As a Board Member, Mr. de Leon is committed to BPUSD's students and the success they will achieve as adults. He seeks to create BPUSD schools that provide increased learning opportunities for all students, including both college preparation and career technical education courses. Additionally, as a former member of the marching bands at Sierra Vista Junior High, Sierra Vista High, and the University of Southern California, he understands the value of the performing arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities in creating well-rounded students. 

Mr. de Leon strongly believes that as parents, families, and as a community, there is no greater cause than that of our children and their future. When we invest ourselves into their welfare, we all reap immeasurable rewards.

 

Norma Olmos, Board Clerk/Vice President
Portrait of Norma Olmos
Phone: 626-856-4201
E-Mail: [email protected]
 
Term of Office: December 2024 - December 2026
 
Norma Olmos has lived in Baldwin Park for over 25 years. Ms. Olmos has a deep connection to the community and previously served as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner. She has a passion for student success, as she is an active parent of five children.  
 
(More coming soon...)
Yvonne S. Juarez, Board Member
Portrait of Yvonne S. Juarez
Phone: 626-856-4201
 
Term of Office: December 2024 – December 2028
 
Yvonne S. Juarez has resided in Baldwin Park since 2016 and is a mother of three, two of whom attend Baldwin Park Unified School District schools. She is a passionate and seasoned educator with 18 years of teaching experience in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Her teaching background spans various elementary grades, having taught kindergarten through sixth grade, and she currently teaches second grade.
 
Ms. Juarez earned her bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles and is currently pursuing her master's degree and an additional credential as a Reading Specialist at Cal State Northridge.
 
Beyond her professional career, she is dedicated to community service, volunteering with the OTFC for Veterans. She is passionate about helping others and bringing joy to those in need.
 
As a new board member, Ms. Juarez is committed to increasing parent engagement and strengthening family collaboration to better support students. She is also passionate about enhancing safety for all.
 
Outside of work, she enjoys exercising and attending her children's sports games.
 
Jose M. Mata, Ed.D, Board Member
Portrait of Dr. Jose M. Mata
Phone: 626-856-4201
E-Mail: [email protected]
 
Term of Office: December 2024 - December 2028
 
Dr. Jose "Joey" M. Mata is a dedicated educational leader and a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all students. With nearly 30 years of service to youth and their families, Dr. Mata's career spans roles as a football, basketball, and tennis coach, a history teacher, a middle school principal, and now a School Board Member. He also held a pivotal role as a founding board member of the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE).
 
A proud product of Baldwin Park Unified School District, Dr. Mata attended Geddes Elementary, Bursch Elementary, and Olive Middle School before graduating as valedictorian from Sierra Vista High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Pitzer College, a Master’s degree in Sociology from Indiana University, and both a Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fullerton.
 
Elected in November 2024, Dr. Mata is serving his first term as a School Board Member and represents Baldwin Park Unified on the Governing Board of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program (ROP).
 
He aims to foster stronger collaboration between BPUSD schools, the broader community, and the City to address the needs of our students. Additionally, he is committed to increasing opportunities for post-secondary training and boosting college attendance among BPUSD graduates.
 
Ricardo Vazques, Board Member
Portrait of Ricardo Vazques
Phone: 626-856-4201
E-Mail: [email protected]
 
Term of Office: December 2024 – December 2028
 
Ricardo Vazques is a lifelong resident of Baldwin Park who is deeply committed to serving the community that shaped him. As a proud alumnus of the Baldwin Park Unified School District, having attended Charles Bursch Elementary, Jones Middle School, and Sierra Vista High School, Mr. Vazques’ journey fuels his dedication to fostering growth, opportunity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.
 
Currently, Mr. Vazques is a special education teacher. His academic achievements include earning an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Business Management from Citrus Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business management and human resources from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and he is set to complete his master’s degree in education from La Verne University in the spring of 2025.
 
Mr. Vazques, a former Baldwin Park Planning Commissioner, has championed initiatives promoting business growth, inclusivity, and community representation. He has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ programs and events, fostering diversity and unity. With expertise in education, workforce development, and community leadership, and as a proud uncle of three Baldwin Park students, he is deeply invested in empowering future generations. Committed to equity and opportunity, Mr. Vazques strives to drive meaningful progress and create a brighter future for all Baldwin Park residents.