Press Release

Endorsement of Shannon Troncoso for Christina School Board, Nominating District A

April 23, 2025

On May 13, the good people of Christina School District will have the opportunity to model good government and turn the page with regard to the chaos and incompetence involving our school board.  Alethea Smith-Tucker, vice president of the board and reliable vote on Donald Patton's two-year vengeance tour, is not running for re-election.  The winner of this seat on May 13 will determine the balance of power on the board.

The winner of this seat can single-handedly return the board to its key job: ensuring that the children of our district are educated, learning the skills that they need to thrive in the modern world and live a life filled with opportunities.

The winner of this seat can single-handedly destroy the district: another year with Patton running the district as if he were in charge, another year of fear from the staff, another year of zero progress being made toward improving student outcomes.

I cannot stand by and just watch the results of this election come in.  The district cannot wait another year for the board to change leadership and shift its focus from Patton's past grievances to improving student outcomes.  We have already wasted two precious years on his pettiness; we cannot afford to waste another.  Our children cannot afford it.  We have consistently failed them, and another year of the same is reprehensible.

Today, I am officially endorsing Shannon Troncoso for Christina School Board, Nominating District A.  Shannon is a mother, attorney, and public servant with a deep understanding of how governance works—and a heart for those it often leaves behind.  She brings legal expertise, a collaborative spirit, and the kind of tenacity that only comes from overcoming real-life adversity.

Shannon leads with compassion, clarity, and conviction.  She listens closely, acts with integrity, and shows up for kids and families no matter what. 

Ms. Troncoso understands that good governance is not about personal power—it is about public responsibility.  She is prepared to restore trust, elevate community voices, and refocus the board’s attention where it belongs: on student achievement, educator support, and transparent decision-making.  She is a steady, thoughtful leader with the courage to challenge dysfunction and the humility to lead with service.

There is no reason why Christina School District can't be the greatest school district in the state.  There is no reason why our students don't have the best opportunities in the state.  There is no reason why we aren't leading the change that our students so desperately deserve.

Join me in taking that first step toward a bright new future for the children in our district.  Vote for Shannon Troncoso on May 13.