A new face will be representing Area 6 in the Turlock Unified School District this school year, as Joe A. Souza has been appointed to replace former trustee Rupinder Singh Jagpal, who resigned from his position on June 15. Jagpal won his seat in last November’s midterm elections by a single vote over incumbent Jeffrey Cortinas, but has cited relocation and family matters as reasons for his resignation.
Souza was sworn in at a special board meeting on July 15.
“It’s always exciting to have new community members join our TUSD Governance team, more specifically, our Board of Trustees,” said TUSD Superintendent Dana Trevethan. “I’m looking forward to working with Mr. Souza and having his wisdom and experiences influence our collective efforts on behalf of all scholars.”
Souza is an alumnus of Hughson High School and graduated from California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock with his B.A. in Political Science in 1974. He has lived in Turlock for over 50 years. His children are graduates of Turlock High School, and today, his grandchildren are enrolled in TUSD.
“My kids graduated from Turlock and now my grandkids are going to school, so when the vacancy in Area 6 showed up, I put my name in the hat and it worked in my favor,” Souza explained. “I’m excited, but I have a lot to learn.”
Representing Area 6 is the first public office to be held by Souza, explaining that despite being interested in politics throughout his life, his time was consumed by working on a farm alongside his wife, Margaret.
“I've always been involved in government and been interested in it, and I ran for City Council… After that, I thought I'd make it the second time if I filed again, but then I met this lovely lady and moved to the country and that was the end of my political career,” he joked.
Some goals Souza has is to improve communication between the district and the community, and to spread positivity.
“I'd like people to know that I always have been the person that can negotiate with different sides of views,” he said. “I'm usually the person that can mediate between people when they disagree, which is a good thing. This school board doesn’t have that problem, in my eyes, as they’ve been very civil… People have been so generous and so nice. As far as the administration and stuff, they've made it very easy to work with.
“I’m excited for an opportunity to serve,” Souza added. “I've always liked the idea of helping, and this is an opportunity, so I'm excited about being on the board and trying to help out.”
Trustee Area 6 includes the southwest area of the school district, from Golden State Boulevard to the western end of the district; from Fulkerth Road south W. Harding Road and then from S. Faith Home Road to Hogin Road and south to American Avenue. Area 6 also includes a portion from N. Tegner Road to the West, up to W. Christoffersen Parkway and then stepping down near Crowell Road, over to Dels Lane and then back to N. Tully Road on the Eastside. For an updated trustee area map, visit: https://www.turlock.k12.ca.us/board-of-trustees/trustee-area-elections
