EL MONTE –– Lisette Idalia Mendez and Julia Ruedas are the newest members of El Monte City School District’s Board of Education following the Nov. 6 election while incumbent Elizabeth Rivas won her bid for re-election, according to preliminary election results.

“Community members like these are what makes our District so amazing,” Superintendent Dr. Maribel Garcia said. “We are extremely proud to have Lisette Idalia Mendez and Julia Ruedas join our District and to have Elizabeth Rivas re-elected to continue her work. I believe they will continue to help our District shine.”

Mendez is a school psychologist in Norwalk. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in educational psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She volunteers at El Monte organizations to support literacy, college-going culture and provide financial help to families and children.

Ruedas is an instructor at the University of California, Davis Extension and a lifelong El Monte resident. She has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of La Verne.

Rivas is a math professor at Azusa Pacific University, alumni of Gidley School and has four children enrolled in the El Monte City School District.

“I would also like to take a moment to thank outgoing board member Roberto Estrada Cruz and Vice President Jessica Ancona for their years of service to the District,” Garcia said. “Roberto and Jessica are longtime board members and have been integral to our District’s success.”

The new board members will be sworn in at the Monday, Dec. 10 Board of Education meeting. They will join board President Jennifer Cobian and member David Siegrist.