Endorsements
Toni Atkins – 51st President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate
Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. — Former Superintendent, Chula Vista Elementary School District. “Dr. Debra McLaren brings over 30 years of experience in education — as a classroom teacher, principal, and district leader — making her exceptionally well-prepared to serve on the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Education. Her deep roots in this community, her tireless commitment to equity and access, and her proven record of elevating student achievement at every level speak for themselves. Dr. McLaren has my highest and most enthusiastic endorsement.”
Lowell Billings, Ed.D. — Former Superintendent, Chula Vista Elementary School District
Dennis Doyle, Ed.D — Retired Superintendent National City and CVESD Assistant Superintendent
Jerry Rindone — A former elective member of the San Diego, County Board of Education, and a lifelong educator of 38 years, including Assistant Superintendent and High School Principal. “Happy to support Debra as she will make an excellent school board member. A good educator with the experience and professionalism needed.”
Jeffrey Thiel — Former Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Chula Vista Elementary School District. “Throughout my many years of working with Debra McLaren in various roles I have consistently found her to be a devoted and passionate educator, always prioritizing excellence for every student. As both a principal and leader, she has leveraged her unique abilities to equip those around her with the skills and resources needed to support students effectively. Debra inspires others to aim high, always keeping students’ academic success and emotional well-being at the forefront. I am confident that as a board member of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, she will represent the voices of students and parents alike, making decisions centered on their needs. Now more than ever, CVESD would benefit from Debra’s expertise, talent, and unwavering commitment.”
Laurie K. Humphrey — Former CVESD School Board Trustee; Retired Educator. “I am honored to write this endorsement for Dr. Debra McLaren for the position of Trustee for Debra is a widely trusted and respected educator and leader for more than 30 years. During her time as a teacher, principal, district leader and mentor, she has shown remarkable integrity, honesty and a history of doing the right thing for students and families. She has created and championed safe, equitable and joyful learning environments in many of the district’s schools. She is caring, compassionate and sets high expectations for her work. Debra is a life-long learner who believes in accountability and continues to be highly regarded in the educational field. These are just some of the reasons why Dr. McLaren is an exceptional choice to lead the district in this capacity.”
Peg Myers — A retired Teacher, Former CVE President, and Former CVESD Director of Human Resources. “As a retired Teacher, Past CVE President and Director of Human Resources for the Chula Vista Elementary School District, I am proud to endorse Ms. Debra McLaren for the Chula Vista Elementary School Board Seat 1. She is child-focused and a strong champion for both students and parents. With exceptional expertise in curriculum and instruction, she supports high-quality teaching and can effectively coach teachers and administrators to excel. Ms. McLaren embraces diversity and approaches difficult conversations with grace and dignity. Her thoughtful, student-centered leadership will be a valuable asset to the Chula Vista Elementary School Board. Please join me in supporting her candidacy.”
Angela Bass, Ed.D. — Assistant Superintendent, Learning and Leadership (Retired, 2025), San Diego County Office of Education. “What makes Dr. McLaren especially deserving of this role is her culturally proficient lens. She consistently centers equity in her work, ensuring that all students regardless of background have access to a high-quality, meaningful education. She understands the importance of honoring students’ identities, amplifying diverse voices, and building systems that support the success of every child.”
Karon Schnitzer, Ed.D. — Principal, San Diego Unified School DistrictPacific Beach Elementary School SDUSD. “I am proud to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Dr. Debra McLaren for Seat 1 on the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. McLaren since 2005, and over the years, I have worked closely with her through the Southwest Administrators Association, as a fellow principal colleague, and as a trusted friend. Dr. McLaren is a leader of unwavering integrity. She approaches every decision with thoughtfulness, transparency, and a deep commitment to doing what is right for students, families, and staff. Her ability to listen, reflect, and act with purpose sets her apart as a leader who truly serves her community.”
Vincent Anthony — Principal, Porter Elementary School SDUSD. I am proud to offer my strongest endorsement of Dr. Debra McLaren for the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Education. As a former principal in CVESD, I have seen firsthand her deep knowledge of education and school leadership. Dr. McLaren has a proven record of success at every level. She has thrived in the role of a teacher, principal, and also district leadership. She truly understands what it takes to support students, empower educators, develop school leaders, and build thriving school communities. Dr. McLaren is unwavering in her commitment to excellence and consistently puts students first. She holds high expectations while working to remove barriers and create opportunities so every learner can succeed. With a proven track record of exemplary leadership, she leads with integrity, vision, and purpose. Our students deserve a fearless and brilliant leader like. Dr. McLaren! I wholeheartedly support Dr. Debra McLaren and am confident she will make a meaningful impact for students, staff, and families across the Chula Vista Elementary School District.”
Erin Marmion — Teacher. “I have always known Dr. McLaren to put students first through thoughtful planning, careful analysis of data, and consistent support for teachers in the classroom. She was a hands-on leader who was actively involved in daily instruction. Dr. McLaren provided clear, constructive feedback and made sure teachers had the resources needed to help students succeed. She also participated in classroom lessons, building meaningful relationships with students and creating a positive learning environment. Working with Dr. McLaren helped shape me into the strong teacher I am today. Her leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to supporting educators make me confident that she will have a positive and lasting impact as a Board Member for CVESD.”
Marissa Stillie — Teacher. “As a teacher, I had the privilege of working with Dr. McLaren and experienced firsthand the kind of leader she is. She supported me through challenging situations; understood the realities I faced because she had been a teacher herself and helped shape my teaching through her commitment to early literacy and research-based instructional practices. Dr. McLaren has the experience, compassion, integrity, and vision to support educators and strengthen our schools.”
Cheryl Cox — Former Mayor, City of Chula Vista; Former Member and President, CVESD Board of Education. “I endorse Debra McLaren for CVESD School Board.”
Eleanor Evans — Trustee at Oceanside Unified School District; Vice Co-Chair County Board of Supervisors Leon L. Williams Human Relations Commission
Patricia Dillard — La Mesa City Councilmember
Robert Moreno — Southwestern Community College District Governing Board Member
Shirley Peterson, Ed.D. — FormerSan Diego Unified School District Principal