Valerie Amparan, a domestic violence nonprofit CEO and Santa Barbara Charter School mom, is treading slightly above her opponent, eight-year incumbent Rose Muñoz, for the Santa Barbara Unified School Board. Amparan is leading by 1.1 points.

Amparan, who was at the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party’s Election Night party at Validation Ale, said she is feeling hopeful and “energized to be at the end of the race.”

Muñoz could not immediately be reached for comment.

As of 10:53 p.m., Amparan had 41.8 percent of the vote. Muñoz had 40.7 percent. 18 number of precincts have been counted, according to the Santa Barbara County Elections Office. Check the News-Press Voter Tracker for complete results.

Full results

“I have a wonderful kitchen cabinet who is very supportive,” Amparan said. “And the people who have come out to support me have just been phenomenal.”

Amparan grew up in the Central Valley and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She attended Santa Barbara City College and UC Santa Barbara, where she studied political science and international relations. Amparan currently resides in Old Town Goleta. 

For 10 years, Amparan worked in sales for local tech companies including AppFolio, Ontraport and 8am. She’s also been a member of the Santa Barbara Junior League chapter and in 2019 served as its president. 

In 2024, Amparan became the CEO of 4 Kids 2 Kids, a nonprofit organization providing assistance for teen girls who’ve survived sexual exploitation, abuse or human trafficking.

Her children attend Santa Barbara Charter School, where she led a $75,000 fundraising effort with parents and teachers. 

Amparan said her biggest priorities on the school board are creating a sustainable budget and reserve policy and improving math and reading scores. 

Her opponent, Muñoz, has served two terms on the Santa Barbara Unified School Board. She is currently the vice president of the board and works as a social worker. 

Muñoz did not make as big of a splash this election season, reportedly raising no money for her campaign. 

Throughout her tenure, Muñoz helped acquire workforce housing for district employees and convert the Armory into a CTE center. She has spoken in favor of more social/emotional awareness and fostering an inclusive school environment. 

Muñoz has also strongly defended Santa Barbara Unified Superintendent Hilda Maldonado and the direction of the cabinet administration.

Julianna Lozada is a Santa Barbara-based reporter. She previously wrote for Southern California News Group as well as the Beverly Hills Courier and Santa Clarita Valley Proclaimer. She holds dual degrees from Sciences Po Paris and Columbia University.