Governing Board

Melissa Janes (Area 3)
President

Board Member since December 1996. Term expires November 2020.

Background: Tulare resident over 38 years. Parent of two children that attended Tulare City School District who are college graduates and established in their careers.

Professional Background: Registered Nurse: Director of Education and Infection Prevention, Tulare Regional Medical Center (1978-2013); Infection Prevention Manager, Kaweah Delta Healthcare District (2013-present). CSBA Masters in Governance (Class of 2003), attends CSBA annual conferences, attends Tulare County School Boards Association conferences.

Community Involvement: Tours every school, every classroom, every year since election; Vice-Chairman, Tulare County Committee on School District Reorganization of Tulare County; member of the Comprehensive School Wellness Committee (2000-2013); Encore Theater, various school sports, booster clubs, and activities during children's' school years; A lifelong PTA Award recipient; member of local Association of Infection Control (APIC) professionals; member of local Educators of Central Valley Healthcare Organizations (ECHCO); member Soroptimist (2001-2014).

Personal Statement: It has been an honor and a privilege serving the community on the Tulare City School Board since 1996. I look forward to working together as we assure our children's+ future in lifelong learning.

Irene Henderson (Area 1)
Vice President

Board Member since May 2013. Term expires November 2022.

Background: Parent of two children who attended Tulare City School District and Tulare Joint Union High School District

Professional Background: School Administrator (Retired)

Community Involvement: Tulare County Office of Education: Supervisor for New Teacher and Leadership Development; National University and Western Governors University: Special Education Intern and Student Teacher Supervisor; Delta Kappa Gamma Society: Support the professional growth of women educators and participate in a world society to make a difference for children.

Daniel Enriquez (Area 2)
Clerk 

Board Member since December 2015. Term expires November 2020.

Background: Lifelong Tulare resident

Professional Background: Owner of Hazels Kitchen

Community Involvement: Tulare Downtown Association, Board of Directors (2006-2012) and President (2008-2010); Tulare Historical Society Board of Directors (2008-2011); Tulare Chamber of Commerce Board Member (2009-2011); Tulare Sunrise Rotary Member (2007-Present) and President (2013-2014).

Personal Statement: Having worked through Rotary with kid’s education in Guatemala, I have seen firsthand how education makes such a difference in the lives of young people. I feel serving on this board I can bring that passion for education to the young people in my own community. 

Teresa Garcia (Area 5)
Member

Board Member since December 1996. Term expires on November 2020.

Background: Lifelong Tulare resident, two children, and two grandchildren

Professional Background: Retired City of Tulare - Police Department 1965-2008, Masters in Governance 2003, and Leadership Tulare 1996

Community Involvement: Vice President Tulare City School District Board of Education, past president and member; Tulare County School Board Association (CSBA), Delegate Assembly Member 2011-2013; CSBA Member; TCOE Excellence in Education Selection Committee Member; Vice President Tulare Volunteer Bureau; Advisory Board Member Salvation Army; HACER Member

Special Recognition: City of Tulare 2004 Community Service Award, Tulare County Chapter ACSA 2004 Golden Apple Award, Tulare Volunteer Bureau 2003, Volunteer of the Year Award, and City of Tulare 1973 Employee of the Year Award

Personal Statement: I have served as a Board Member since 1996. Children come first, continues to be my philosophy and is the basis that drives my decision-making process. It is my belief that advocating and promoting lifelong learning prepares all children for success global-wide. I feel honored representing the community and being part of a Team that is providing the best education for our youth.

Willard Epps (Area 4)
Member

Board Member since December 2018 (previous September 1995 - December 2015). Term expires on November 2022.

Background: Tulare resident for over 46 years. Parent of two children who attended Tulare City School District and Tulare Joint Union High School District.

Professional Background: Retired Fire Chief, Tulare City Fire Department, Interim City Manager, City of Tulare

Community Involvement: Tulare Youth Service Bureau Board Member; Reaching Higher Youth Group Board Member; Greater Tulare Recreation Foundation Board Member; Tulare Community Health Clinic Board Member; Big Brothers Big Sisters Board Member; CSU, Fresno Advisory Board

Special Recognition: Man of the Year - 2006, Tulare Chamber of Commerce; Inducted into College of the Sequoias Hall of Fame, 1999; Volunteer of the Year - 1993, Tulare Volunteer Bureau; Medal of Valor - 1983, City of Tulare

Personal Statement: I believe in giving the students of Tulare City School District every opportunity to be successful. Success starts with Education.