It is with deep sadness that the Alisal Union School District announces the passing of Trustee José Antonio Jiménez of health complications. He has represented Area 5 since 2018, and served as Board President in 2022.
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Mr. Jiménez immigrated to Salinas in 1987 with his parents and two younger siblings. Although he was 16 at the time, he had already finished his high school studies at Colegio Claretiano, a Catholic school in Peru. He studied two more years of high school and graduated from Salinas High School in 1989, later attending Hartnell College. He went on to pursue a career in radio broadcasting in the local community bilingual radio station KHDC, later working locally for Wolfhouse Radio Group, Inc. In his career as a radio broadcaster, Mr. Jiménez became involved as a volunteer in local issues concerning the migrant community, particularly in education.
Mr. Jiménez was known for his active involvement in his children’s education and schools. He has four children who attended Alisal Union School District. For nearly two decades he held many leadership roles as a parent representative in both Alisal Union School District and in the Salinas Union High School District. He served as parent representative, vice-president and president of the school site council for Dr. Oscar F. Loya Elementary School, president of the parent-teacher organization and president of DELAC and DAC. He was also elected as parent representative in the school site council for La Paz Middle School and Alisal High School. As a public school parent and the son of an Alisal Union School Union retired teacher, Mr. Jiménez’s belief in quality education, safety and the well-being of children in our district was second-to-none.
“A tireless advocate for educational equity, Mr. Jiménez dedicated himself to championing bilingual programs, empowering parents, and ensuring every student had access to an exceptional education He believed in the Alisal Union School District and the commitment of all its staff to provide a great educational experience for students,” Superintendent Mónica Anzo said.
The Alisal Union School District wants to extend its sincere condolences to Mr. Jiménez’s family and friends. Mr. Jiménez’s support for the Alisal Union School District, its families and its students will be greatly missed.