Governing Board
Governing Board
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BOARD MEMBER |
BIOGRAPHY |
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Debbie Justeson, Board President; term 2010-2026 Debbie Justeson, who was elected to the Governing Board in 2010, has served as the Board President since 2022. She is a lifelong educator who has devoted her career to education. Her teaching experience spans from preschool to post-graduate-level courses. After retiring from the California K-12 Education System after 38 years of service, she continues her teaching as a lecturer for the Department of Teacher Education at San Diego State University. She previously taught math at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges and received the Adjunct Teacher of the Year Award twice. She has presented at several math conferences nationwide and as an adjunct faculty member, was actively involved in campus committees and teachers' associations. Trustee Justeson believes that education is the best pathway out of poverty; thus, she is devoted to promoting higher education to East County youth and their families. |
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Julie Schorr, Board Vice President; term 2020-2028 Julie Schorr, who was elected in 2020, is the 2025 Board Vice President. She was a public school teacher for 30 years and is currently working as a University Supervisor in the College of Teacher Education at San Diego State University. She holds a Master’s degree in counseling from San Diego State University and a California administrative credential. Julie is committed to ensuring an equitable teaching and learning environment for all faculty, staff, and students; promoting diversity, equity, cultural awareness, and inclusion at the colleges; and ensuring that community college education remains affordable and accessible for all students. |
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Elena Adams, Board Clerk; term 2016-2028 Elected in 2016, Elena Adams is the 2024 Board Clerk. She was an educator for 38 years at the San Diego Community College District, retiring in 2018 as well as Grossmont Adult School (1983-1998). She received the Unsung Hero Award two times from the San Diego Community College District and, in her work as a PTA president and secretary, was awarded the State of California PTA Service Award. Trustee Adams has been an East County resident for 47 years and her children attended East County public schools, including Grossmont College. She is committed to student success in college transfer and career technical training programs and assisting students in becoming economically self-sufficient. |
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Brad Monroe, Board Member; term 2018-2026 Elected in 2018, Brad Monroe brings over five decades of experience as a community college educator, consultant, and board member. He served as the founding chair of the Ornamental Horticulture program at Southwestern College in 1975 before continuing his leadership at Cuyamaca College, where he led the Ornamental Horticulture program for 32 years. As a trustee, Brad is dedicated to ensuring students receive the highest quality education while advocating for financial stability and equity within the District. His priorities include promoting salary equity among employment groups, enhancing operational efficiency, and collaborating with District staff to oversee construction projects. His steadfast commitment reflects a lifelong passion for advancing educational excellence and institutional integrity. |
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Desiree "Desi" Klaar; Board Member; term 2022-2026 Elected in 2022, Desiree “Desi” Klaar served as a human resources professional in public education for 15 years. She now teaches business and marketing through San Diego Community College District’s California College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) program. Desi enjoys developing processes, establishing goals, and using her analytical skills to achieve results. Once a Grossmont College student, Desi said the education she received changed her life. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s in biology from Miami University of Ohio. Among her priorities are increasing community outreach and engagement to ensure that potential students are aware of the many opportunities available at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges. |
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Cesar Nuñez , Student Trustee; term 2023-2025 Cesar Nuñez was reelected as the Grossmont College Student Trustee for 2024-2025. A psychology major, Cesar is the former President of the Associated Students of Grossmont College (ASGC) and a member of the Puente program. He previously served on the ASGC Board of Directors. Originally from Lakeside, Cesar wants to continue to increase the college’s on-campus social and networking opportunities, and feels passionate about “putting the community back in community college”. He hopes to transfer to San Diego State University, and eventually become a college professor. |
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Manuel Juarez Lopez, Student Trustee; term 2024-2025 Manuel Juarez Lopez attended and graduated from Crawford High School, where he first discovered his passion for track and cross country running. This passion is what initially brought Manuel to Cuyamaca, where he’s competed alongside his peers on both the Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams. In addition to involvement in athletic programs, Manuel also discovered “a true community” at Cuyamaca, and quickly became involved in efforts to support fellow students, including as a peer mentor for the Together We Rise Center. Manuel is the former President of the Associated Student Government at Cuyamaca College (ASGCC). A business major, Manuel plans to graduate with an associate degree in Spring 2025 and go on to complete his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University. Manuel is excited to continue his support and advocacy for students in the roll of ASGCC Student Trustee in the 2024-2025 academic year. |