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Michael Santos

Round portrait of Michael Santos

Board Member - Michael Santos

Email: michael.santos@sbcusd.k12.ca.us
Current term: 2024-2028

Michael L. Santos is a dedicated father of six children who attend
the San Bernardino City Unified School District—two in elementary school, one in middle school, and three in high school. As an active and engaged parent, Michael understands firsthand the critical importance of parental involvement in a child's education. He believes that when parents are involved, it leads to more positive attitudes towards school and improved academic outcomes. One of his key priorities as a new member of the school board is to explore and implement strategies to increase parent engagement throughout the district.

After graduating high school and emancipating from the foster care system, Michael pursued higher education, beginning at Community College before transferring to the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His passion for social change through education has shaped his career path, particularly in supporting low-income and first-generation students. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Michael has worked in outreach programs designed to increase access to college and support students in overcoming social and economic barriers. He currently serves as a Program Director, where he leads initiatives to help students achieve success in higher education.

Michael has been an active advocate for his children’s education, having served on the School Site Council at both his children's middle and high schools. He has served as a school parent representative on the District Advisory Council (DAC) and the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council (SPAC) in San Bernardino City Unified School District.

Michael's Areas of Focus for the District:

  • Increasing Parent Engagement: Michael is committed to fostering greater parental involvement in the education process. He believes that active parent participation is key to student success, and he aims to create more opportunities for parents to engage with the school community and support their children's educational journeys.
  • Student Support for Academic Success: Michael advocates for comprehensive support systems to ensure students have the resources they need to thrive academically. This includes tutoring, academic advising, study skills workshops, mental health counseling, peer mentoring, access to technology, and creating a supportive learning environment. His goal is to equip students with the tools and support they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
  • Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability: Michael is dedicated to ensuring that district resources are managed effectively and responsibly. He believes in transparency and accountability in budget decisions to ensure that funds are used efficiently and directly benefit students and educational outcomes.
  • Preparing Students for College and Career: Michael is committed to ensuring that all students are prepared for success after graduation. This includes providing the necessary guidance and resources to help students pursue higher education or enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.