Emily Zacarias, a member of the Goleta Union School District Board of Trustees, was appointed by Senate Pro Tempore Monique Limon to serve on a statewide Advisory Commission on Special Education.
“This appointment will allow me to further my advocacy for those students whose needs are sometimes forgotten when we talk about issues in education,” Zacarias said.
Zacarias was sworn in by Limon on Thursday at her Santa Barbara office.
“I have full confidence that she will be a great asset to the Advisory Commission on Special Education, drawing on her deep understanding of the needs of special educators, students, and families,” Limon said in a statement. “I look forward to her contributions to the commission as she helps shape the policy and programs in California for thousands of special needs students.”
Zacarias has worked with individuals with disabilities and their families for over 25 years, including in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Goleta school districts. She was elected to the Goleta Union school board in 2022.
The commission is a 17-member body advising the Governor, State Superintendent and State Board of Education on all issues relating to special education. Members meet five times per year in Sacramento.
Zacarias’ first meetings as commissioner will be held from October 14-15.
