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EXPERIENCE THAT SERVES
25 Years
Lieutenant Commander
30+ Years
Proven Leadership
Jerry Garcia Avila is a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with more than 25 years of distinguished service and over three decades of leadership and management experience. Beginning his Navy career as an enlisted Personnelman, Jerry advanced through the ranks, earned a commission as a naval officer, and went on to serve in demanding operational, administrative, educational, and strategic leadership roles. His assignments included two deployments to the Persian Gulf, service aboard the USS Jarrett and USS McCampbell, leadership as Officer in Charge of Personnel Support Detachment Balboa, Executive Officer of Region Southwest Transient Personnel Unit, and service on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Education has been a central part of Jerry’s own journey and professional career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University, a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego, and a Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education from San Diego State University, along with a Certificate in Community College Teaching. His experience also includes work supporting the Naval War College, Navy and Joint Professional Military Education, training and readiness, and personnel development.
Jerry is running for the Oceanside Unified School District Board of Education to bring experienced leadership, accountability, and a renewed focus on student achievement to the district. He believes every student deserves a strong foundation in reading, writing, mathematics, critical thinking, and practical life skills—and that public education must remain focused on preparing young people to succeed in school, in the workplace, and in life.
WHY I'M RUNNING
My name is Jerry Garcia Avila, and I am running for the Oceanside Unified School Board in District 1.
There was a time when California’s public schools were widely regarded as the “envy of the nation.” Today, despite record levels of education funding, too many students continue to struggle with the most fundamental academic skills.
For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, California’s total per-pupil education spending is projected to reach approximately $25,000 per student when federal, state, and local funding sources are considered. This represents an extraordinary public investment in education—and it raises an important question:
Are our students receiving the academic results that this level of investment should produce?
The latest available performance metrics for Oceanside Unified School District provide serious cause for concern:
High School Proficiency — Grade 11
- English Language Arts: Approximately 46% of students met or exceeded state standards.
- Mathematics: Approximately 26% of students met or exceeded state standards.
District-Wide Academic Performance
- English Language Arts: 42.2% of students met or exceeded standards.
- Mathematics: 31.78% of students met or exceeded standards.
- Science: Recent statewide reporting indicates that approximately 32.7% of students met or exceeded standards.
Graduation and College Readiness
- Graduation Rate: Approximately 88%.
- College and Career Readiness: Available performance indicators continue to raise important questions about how well students are being prepared for higher education, skilled careers, and adult life after graduation.
These numbers should concern every parent, teacher, taxpayer, and community member in Oceanside.
A diploma should represent more than the completion of required coursework. It should signify that a student can read proficiently, write clearly, understand mathematics, think critically, solve problems, and enter adulthood with the practical skills necessary to succeed.
I am a product of California’s public education system. My grade-school education gave me the foundational skills I needed to compete and succeed at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. My teachers accomplished their mission with comparatively simple tools—often little more than chalk, a blackboard, clear expectations, strong instruction, and a commitment to student achievement.
Technology has changed. Classrooms have changed. Society has changed. But the importance of a strong academic foundation has not.
I believe it is time to renew our focus on the essential mission of public education: teaching students to read, write, understand mathematics, think critically, develop sound habits, and acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful future.
We must also demand transparency and accountability for how education dollars are spent. Record funding should be accompanied by measurable academic progress and clear evidence that resources are reaching the classroom and improving student outcomes.
Let’s get back to the basics—and teach.
Sincerely,
Jerry Garcia Avila
Candidate for Oceanside Unified School District Board of Education
District 1
Education
Associate of Arts degree in Social Science
— Ohlone College
Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science
— San Diego State University
Master of Science degree in Global Leadership
— University of San Diego
Master of Arts degree in Postsecondary Education Leadership with a Certificate in community college teaching
— San Diego State University
California Substitute Teaching Permit
Background
Proven team builder and solutions-oriented problem solver
Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with 25 years of distinguished service, including successful tours as Executive Officer and Officer in Charge
More than 30 years of leadership and management experience across administrative, operational, tactical, and strategic environments
Extensive experience working in high-level, fast-paced business and educational settings
JERRY’S PRIORITIES FOR OUSD
Strengthen the Fundamentals
Prioritize reading, writing, mathematics, science, and the essential academic knowledge every student needs to succeed.
Support Effective Teaching
Empower educators to teach with clear expectations, strong curriculum, classroom discipline, and a renewed focus on student achievement.
Promote Critical Thinking
Prepare students to evaluate information, solve problems, communicate clearly, and make thoughtful, independent decisions.
Build Practical Life Skills
Help students develop responsibility, financial awareness, communication skills, work habits, and real-world preparation for adulthood.
Demand Fiscal Accountability
Ensure education funding is used responsibly, transparently, and in ways that produce measurable benefits for students and classrooms.
Prepare Students for the Future
Strengthen pathways to college, skilled trades, military service, entrepreneurship, and meaningful careers.
Our Students Deserve Better
We can—and must—do better.
ENDORSED BY COMMUNITY LEADERS
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HELP US BUILD A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OCEANSIDE STUDENTS
Local campaigns are powered by people who believe in the mission. Your contribution helps us reach voters, print campaign materials, place signs throughout the community, and share Jerry’s message with families across District 1.