Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Milpitas Unified School District

Carmen has been involved in government and community based programs in Milpitas and San Jose since 1986. Ms. Montano is a professional person and is currently employed in the field of education as a Teacher. She is an active member of our community working as a full-time teacher while balancing family and civic service.

In our community Ms. Montano worked diligently with co-founder Bob Pecot to form the Sunnyhills Improvement Association. She also served on the Milpitas Parks, Recreation, Cultural Resources Commission, after being appointed by Milpitas city Council and Mayor Pete McHugh. She has also served on the Milpitas Historical Society as Secretary, and is currently a member of the Milpitas Planning Commission. Ms. Montano also endorsed the Hillside Urban Growth Boundary and is currently a member of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Advisory Committee.

As a mother Ms.Montano has been active as a "Little League Mom", a member of the Parent Teachers Association and the Girl Scouts. Ms Montano's family has resided in Milpitas for the greater part of 36 years, after moving to Milpitas from the San Joaquin Valley in 1963.

Ms Montano is a graduate of Milpitas High School and recieved a BA degree in Liberal Arts with a minor in radio, television, video,and film, from San Jose State University. She has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU Monterey Bay. She is also currently pursuing a Master's degree in Education in the field of Math, Science, and Technology at San Jose State University.

She is a past member of both the Milpitas Black Caucus, and of the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program/Neighborhood Accountability Board. Ms. Montano is a current member of the Milpitas Alliance for the Arts, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the California League of Cities Latino Caucus and the American Association of University Women. She is also a past member of the East Valley Flood Control Advisory Committee of the Santa Clara Valley Water District. She is curently a board member for both Bay Area Legal Services, and Economic Social Opportunites, ESO.

Ms. Montano has proven herself to be an innovative and progressive member of our community. She has contributed both to her community and its residents through her diligence and commitment to causes relevant to the betterment of all persons. As a member of the Milpitas School Board, she will bring strong leadership, and effective listening and communication skills, with the ability to address the educational needs of the children of our community.