BOARD MEMBER
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BIOGRAPHY
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Debbie Justeson, elected to the Governing Board in 2010, has served as 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, elected to the Governing Board in 2020, has served as Board Vice President
since 2025. 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. She is committed to ensuring an equitable
teaching and learning environment for all faculty, staff, and students. She promotes
diversity, equity, cultural awareness, and inclusion at the colleges, ensuring that
community college education remains affordable and accessible for all students. Trustee
Schorr currently serves as the Vice Chair of the California Community College's Women's
Caucus (CCCWC).
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Elena Adams, elected to the Governing Board in 2016, has served as Board Clerk since
2024. She was an educator for 38 years at the San Diego Community College District,
retiring in 2018, and at Grossmont Adult School (1983-1998). She received the Unsung
Hero Award twice 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.
She has been an East County resident for 47 years, and her children attended East
County public schools, including Grossmont College. Trustee Adams 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
Trustee Area 5: Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, and La Presa
Brad Monroe, elected to the Governing Board in 2018, 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. He is dedicated to ensuring that 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. Trustee Monroe's steadfast commitment reflects a lifelong passion for advancing
educational excellence and institutional integrity.
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Cindy Page, provisionally appointed to the Governing Board in 2025, is a retired life-long
educator and has been a Santee resident for more than 30 years. She spent 33 years teaching at
Crawford High School and was recognized as the San Diego Unified School District High
School Teacher of the Year in 2025. As AVID Coordinator, she spent 25 years supporting
students in their pursuit of higher education, collaborating with both San Diego State
University and UC San Diego. She is focused on creating inclusive learning environments
and building bridges across diverse communities. Trustee Page's extensive experience
has given her a deep understanding of how educational policy and social justice shape
student experiences.
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Joseph Anthony Cruz will serve concurrently as the Grossmont College Student Trustee
and as the Associated Students of Grossmont College (ASGC) President for the upcoming
2026-2027 academic year. A seasoned student advocate, Joseph formally served as the
ASGC Director of Student Legislation, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD)
Board of Education Student Board Member, and SDUSD Student Advisory Board President.
On campus, he competes in Speech and Debate and is actively spearheading the charter
revival of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As Student Trustee, Joseph is dedicated
to amplifying student voices, bridging student-faculty communication, and ensuring
every campus concern is heard and addressed. He is currently pursuing a triple-major
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Political Science, Sociology, and Global Studies.
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Yaritza Garcia will serve as Cuyamaca College Student Trustee for the 2026–2027 academic
year. As Student Trustee, Yaritza will represent Cuyamaca College students at the
District's highest level of governance, serving as a vital voice to ensure student
perspectives help shape institutional decisions. A political science student and a
first-generation Latina, Yaritza brings a personal understanding of the challenges
students face in accessing support, setting goals, and finding mentorship. Deeply
committed to civic engagement and student advocacy, she is passionate about making
a positive and lasting impact on campus. As the founder and president of Cuyamaca
College's first Mock Trial Club, Yaritza has demonstrated that commitment and integrity
are essential to meaningful community involvement. As Student Trustee, Yaritza is
dedicated to promoting inclusion, supporting student goals, and serving as a positive
and empowering presence across the campus community.
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