On Saturday, March 15, Martinez community members will march to the Martinez Unified School District offices to protest efforts to block the appointment of a Latina to the MUSD School Board.
Representation Matters!
This is a critical moment for Latino representation in leadership, especially as Latino communities across the country face increasing discrimination and policy challenges at the federal level. Efforts to undermine the rights and dignity of immigrant and Latino families have intensified, making it more important than ever for local governments and school boards to reflect and uplift the communities they serve.
Latino students make up over 30% of the Martinez Unified School District, yet MUSD leadership is currently 100% White.
Brittany Ayala was unanimously appointed to the Martinez School Board and brings critical representation and a fresh voice. However, for the first time ever, a small group of individuals is demanding a costly special election to overturn her appointment—despite never objecting to past appointments.
This baseless challenge would cost the district over $60,000, at a time when MUSD faces a $2.1 million deficit. Even more frustrating, this seat is already up for election in just one year—yet opponents are still willing to waste district resources on an unnecessary special election.
Let’s be clear — this is discrimination, not democracy.
This election is not just about process — it is about who is allowed to lead and represent our schools. Brittany Ayala, a first-generation Latina, UC Berkeley graduate, and dedicated advocate for students and families, was unanimously selected to serve on the MUSD Board. Yet,, for the first time, an MUSD Board appointment is being challenged,– not because of a lack of qualifications, but because of a coordinated effort from a community that has historically resisted diverse leadership.
Many families, particularly families of color, have struggled to find inclusive environments in MUSD. This is documented and reflected in the test scores and graduation rates of these communities, as seen in the LCAP and Equity Review.
Brittany has personally witnessed the challenges parents face when schools do not create a sense of belonging for every child. Meanwhile, the other candidate on the proposed special election ballot, Brenda Leale, a retired teacher from John Swett, is supported by individuals who have previously opposed efforts to diversify leadership in MUSD. Opposition to Brittany Ayala appears to be politically motivated rather than based on qualifications or leadership ability. No previous appointments were challenged, yet Brittany, the first Latina to be appointed, now faces an orchestrated opposition. This raises serious concerns about the motivations behind this election.
Opponents Say She Lacks Experience – Here’s the Truth
Opponents claim Brittany lacks experience, but school board members do not need to be former teachers—they need to govern, advocate, and hold leadership accountable.
Brittany’s lived experience as a parent, educator, and first-generation Latina who fought her way through UC Berkeley while raising a child, uniquely positions her to understand the challenges faced by many students and families in MUSD. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in School Administration at St. Mary’s College, equipping her with the governance and leadership skills necessary to make informed decisions that serve the district effectively. This commitment to continuous learning reinforces her dedication to ensuring that MUSD leadership is strong, knowledgeable, and responsive to the needs of the community.
Critics have also pointed to one interview as proof of inexperience, but a single meeting does not define leadership. Brittany knows what matters to students and parents and is committed to learning every governance tool needed to serve effectively—just as she has done in every stage of her life.
What makes a great school board member? Someone who:
- Understands and represents the community’s needs – Brittany has firsthand experience as a Latina parent in MUSD.
- Asks the hard questions She approaches tough issues with direct, pointed, and well-informed questions, ensuring that decisions are made transparently and in the best interest of students and families. – Brittany has proven she will hold leadership accountable.
- Balances students, families, and teachers – Unlike a union leader, who primarily represents teachers, Brittany fights for all stakeholders.
- Focuses on equity – She understands not all parents engage with schools the same way and will work to improve outreach and belonging.
While Brenda Leale has experience as a longtime teacher and union leader, that experience alone does not guarantee the skills needed for strong governance. Effective school board members must represent a range of perspectives, ask tough questions, and ensure accountability—not simply come from within the existing system. School boards need a diversity of perspectives, not just insiders. The board saw in Brittany a new voice, an advocate for parents and students, and someone with the tenacity to demand real change.
Our Students Deserve Better
“I have personally witnessed Brittany Ayala ask tough, pointed, and well-informed questions in a direct manner, holding leadership accountable at her very first school board meeting. During an equity review session, she pressed harder than anyone else on the board to find out what services were available for graduating seniors—directly engaging with the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that some falsely claim she didn’t understand. I also saw her in a District English Learners Advisory Council meeting, conducted in Spanish—a language she speaks fluently—where she demanded to know how the district was ensuring that parents had critical information, including what to do in case of an ICE raid. Brittany doesn’t just talk about advocacy—she embodies it.” – Meghan Ketsdever, Parent and Education Equity Advocate, Active in District-Level Committees.
“Our students and teachers deserve leadership that reflects their community and puts them first — not political games.” – Community member
Sponsors:
- Together We Stand – https://www.twsrevolution.org
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