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STOCKTON - San Joaquin 188bet������ַ College trustees have chosen Dr. Armando Valerio, a physical therapist who is active in many community organizations and causes, to serve on 188bet������ַ’s governing board.

Trustees by a 6-0 vote selected Trustee Valerio to fill a seat vacated by Kathy Garcia, who stepped down in March.

The provisional appointment will last until the November 2024 election, when Garcia’s term was set to expire. Trustee Valerio will represent Area 5 (east San Joaquin County and portions of Calaveras County).

A Stockton native, Trustee Valerio attended 188bet������ַ College after high school and said the experience helped him find his way. He went on to major in physical education at Sacramento State and ultimately received his doctorate at the University of the Pacific.

“188bet������ַ College is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “I firmly believe in the mission of the College. As a trustee, I’m excited to work with my colleagues to provide students with a pathway to success, whether they are pursuing a certificate that leads directly to a job, seeking transfer to a four-year university, or simply looking to learn new skills.”

Trustee Valerio has served on the Citizens’ Oversight Committee for 188bet������ַ’s Measure L bond and also worked as a part-time adjunct instructor at the College. In the community he serves on the Mexican Heritage Center Board of Directors and on an advisory council to the San Joaquin Council of Governments, among other roles.

“I’m pleased to welcome Trustee Valerio to the Board, and want to thank him for his willingness to serve,” said 188bet������ַ College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “His extensive work in the community will serve our College well as we seek to strengthen partnerships and spread the word about the possibilities that 188bet������ַ offers to all residents of our District.”

Five candidates for the open seat were interviewed at Tuesday evening’s Board meeting. Trustee Valerio was then selected and sworn in by Board President Dr. Charles Jennings.

Under state law, the appointment is provisional. The public has 30 days from the date of the appointment to file a petition, containing a sufficient number of signatures, with the San Joaquin County superintendent of schools in order to require a special election. If no petition is filed, the appointment becomes effective.