Alberto Velarde of Atwater believes he’s a top contender with an excellent advantage in this year’s race for Superintendent of County Schools.
The 63-year-old Velarde points to his 27 consecutive years of experience in school administration, and a positive message about building career pathways for students and going beyond expectations.
“The California Education Code mandates a superintendent of schools to do particular things such as provide oversight, reports, and budget reviews — but they can do more than that,” Velarde explains. “We can chew gum and walk at the same time. I want to provide more services for our students. There are many new things we can do to help the kids in our community.”
Late last year, current Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steve Tietjen, announced he would not seek re-election in 2026. That leaves an open seat to fill, and a race that’s on the ballot for the June 2 primary election. At this time, there are four candidates besides Velarde on file with the Registrar of Voters, including: Ana Luisa Boyenga, Paula Alison Heupel, Richard Lopez, and Ismael Munoz.
If you remember the name Velarde, that might be because he was the lone challenger against Superintendent Tietjen back in 2022. Velarde lost to Tietjen in the June primary; however, it was competitive. Velarde garnered 41 percent of the vote, falling behind Tietjen by 4,504 votes.
“I learned a lot the last time, and I think we have really good, positive momentum right now,” Velarde says. “Steve had name recognition, and he was tough to beat. But I was within range. I think he was a little surprised at the result, but I wasn’t, because I know I have a lot of support from the community. They believe in my platform and the initiatives that I still want to put forward. We have a strong message. It hasn’t changed. It’s still the same.”
Velarde says he will do more to establish a viable Bridge To College program for the entire county that will enable young students to earn college credits starting in the seventh grade, with the possibility of being AA degree ready by high school graduation.
“I want to be able to help all the school districts in the county,” the candidate points out. “At the same time, we can provide mentorship and direction for those students.”
Velarde says he wants to grow a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy that will offer programs in high-demand fields such as welding, vocational nursing and auto technology, and one that will become a catalyst for change in the region.
“This will empower students,” he says, “because they’re going to obtain a vocational credential or license. I really believe that this dual approach will prepare them not only to enter the workforce right away, but also in their respective fields, by equipping them with the skills and qualifications needed to be successful — in their careers, and in life. It’s time for Merced to do something different.”
Along those lines, the candidate says he will work to create an auto center so students can get certified and start working right out of high school.
“It will be a center where they wear uniforms, work on cars, and learn about the business. It’s going to be a comprehensive program with partnership from the community. And there are grants available for these things. There are millions and millions of dollars available through the California Department of Education.
“These are not new concepts, but the problem with Career Technical Education right now is that everybody has something different. I want to uniform it. I want to provide support. I want to be the leader in helping our school districts work together and establish a framework that is going to be a win-win for all of us.
“I have a nephew right now who attends Atwater High School. It’s an awesome high school. He’s been attending the diesel technology class at the base for the last three years, but it doesn’t go beyond that. What happens is, after he graduates from high school, he will have to go to Sacramento. It will cost him $25,000 to get that certificate. He’s almost there. That’s why we need to sit down with leadership in this county, and develop a blueprint, a framework, where we can certify our students, to be accredited, and we can do that.”
At the same time, Velarde says he will pursue new programs to improve the physical, emotional and nutritional health of young students.
“We need to do more to help students understand and learn about mental health and stress management, as well as healthy eating habits, sleep and exercise,” Velarde says. “This will address a lot of issues, and build academic achievement and lifelong skills. … It’s a win-win for everybody, and I think it’s about getting back to the basics. … Basic core values. You know, that are gonna prepare students not only to be successful at school, but also at home. We should be in partnership with parents, so we can implement these things together. Because we want our first graders, our kindergarteners, to be safe. We want our fifth graders to be safe, responsible and respectful.
“We want high school students to be safe as well. It has to be consistent. The problem is that there are character programs that are not consistent, so you lose that. So stay to the basics, be safe, be responsible, be respectful. Teach our students to always respect themselves, respect others, and respect authority. I strongly believe that. So that’s another initiative that I want to push forward across the county.”
Background in education
Velarde was born in Culiacan, in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, and moved to the United States when he was 11 as a child of migrant workers. The family settled in Merced, and the young Velarde attended Aida Givens Elementary School, and Hoover and Rivera middle schools. He graduated from Merced High School.
He went to Fresno State, earned a teacher’s credential, and went to work as a teacher and wrestling coach. He eventually ended up in school administration in a variety of leadership roles at the elementary, middle school and high school level.
He worked for many years as a principal and administrator in the Lodi Unified School District. For the past 13 years, he has resided in Atwater while commuting to work opportunities to the north. His most recent administrative roles were held within the Modesto City School District, particularly as a principal at Kirschen Elementary School and as a part-time administrator for various other school sites. Velarde says he is taking time off from full-time work to concentrate on this year’s campaign for superintendent.
He is married to a Modesto school teacher, and they have three children.
“People will recognize my name,” Velarde says about the race for superintendent. “I’m a top contender. I mean, I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but the probabilities are good. I’m out talking with residents. I’m going out to events, and places like the big outdoor flea markets. Many remember me from my last campaign. It just feels good — a good, positive vibe. I think we’re going to win this time around.”
• Alberto Velarde will be having a campaign dinner event at Ravello’s Italian Restaurant, 560 W. 18th St., in Downtown Merced, on March 7, starting with a social hour at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50, and the event includes music prizes and a raffle. For more information, call Rodolfo Torres at (209) 308-2523.