Desert Sands's Board Members

Board Members

DSUSD Trustee Areas Map
(Trustee Boundary Redistricting approved January 18, 2022)

To determine your trustee area, please visit this interactive map then type your address in the search field. search tool


Dr. Kailee Watson
PRESIDENT
KAILEE WATSON, OD

Trustee Area 1
Term expires: December 2024

Profession: optometrist

Achievements or experiences to share: I am a DSUSD graduate. As a student athlete I represented the United States in figure skating. I learned dedication through my sport and, combined with the flexibility alternative education provided me, I developed the determination to further my education. I went on to receive a BS in biology with an emphasis in pre-medical studies and a minor in psychology. Followed by another BS in visual sciences and my Doctor of Optometry.

I am proud to be the mom of three amazing children Kennedy, Lincoln, and Grant. The challenges I faced with my husband to become a mother make me appreciate and understand that having three healthy children is a true accomplishment.

What motivated you to become a board member: My children are my motivation to become a school board member. My kids are not just my own three, but all of my patients, my children’s friends, their teammates, all of the students I see when volunteering at school, as well as all of the children in our district that I have not met. I am a parent of three children enrolled in DSUSD and I am happy to bring a new perspective to our board.

What do you appreciate about DSUSD: I appreciate the quality education I received from DSUSD which paved the path for my success in life. I value education and I am proud to see my journey come full circle and serve so many of my teachers who are now my patients. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my education.


Tricia Pearce
VICE PRESIDENT/CLERK
TRICIA PEARCE

Trustee Area 3
Term expires: December 2024

Profession: retired elementary teacher

Achievements or experiences to share: I am a board member for FIND Food Bank and am proud of my 12 years as a DSUSD elementary school coordinator of Math Field Day.

What motivated you to become a board member: It was my desire to continue serving the families of DSUSD following my retirement from teaching that led me to become a board member and an advocate for students, teachers, and parents.

What do you appreciate about DSUSD: I appreciate DSUSD for the excellent teachers, staff, and facilities that we provide for our students to have the best opportunity to succeed in their education and future life. There are so many caring people who work in our district and the focus is always on the students. My desire is to serve the families of DSUSD and be an advocate for students, teachers, and parents.


Humberto Alvarez
BOARD MEMBER
HUMBERTO ALVAREZ

Trustee Area 2
Term expires: December 2026

Profession: elementary school principal

Achievements or experiences to share: As a teacher, building background knowledge and teaching students about the possibilities available to them was important. I was fortunate to take many east valley students to New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. I have also traveled to China and the United Kingdom on student tours.

What motivated you to become a board member: There were several factors that collectively motivated me to become a board member. Ultimately, I believe the biggest investment we can make in our community is to invest in human capital. I believe this begins with our students.

What do you appreciate about DSUSD: The dedication and efforts displayed by all of the DSUSD employees is a testament of the commitment to our students.


Michael Duran
BOARD MEMBER
MICHAEL DURAN

Trustee Area 5
Term expires: December 2026

Profession: school counselor and business owner

Achievements or experiences to share: All-American High School and Collegiate Division 1 swimming and water polo player; I once swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco in less than 50 minutes in water temperatures that were 52°…without a wetsuit.

I consider it a proud achievement to have been elected twice by the Desert Sands Teachers Association to be their president.

What motivated you to become a board member: My motivation to serve on the DSUSD board stems from my tremendously positive experiences as a student and as a volunteer in Desert Sands. It is my utmost goal to create positive and inspiring memories to all who inhabit the classrooms, commons, and campuses of all our schools. Connecting curriculum and challenge, I believe can change lives and communities.

What do you appreciate about DSUSD: I have always appreciated the relationships and respect that Desert Sands Unified School District has built over the years!  My deepest appreciation to those who have expanded the capacity to learn and create better lives for all!


Linda Porras
BOARD MEMBER
LINDA PORRAS

Trustee Area 4
Term expires: December 2024

Profession: sales and esthetician

Achievements of experiences to share: My four children have completed my life. They and my two grandsons are my world. I am committed to help children in any way possible, especially with their education.

What motivated you to become a board member: Watching my own children and their school experiences led me to want to serve as a DSUSD school board member. Education is the beginning of life. Each child deserves the best education possible with as many opportunities as we can provide.

What do you appreciate about DSUSD: My six years on the school board have given me such an insight into the hundreds of staff members who we employ. We are a strong team and every member of the team works together with a single goal in mind—our students. Whether classified or certificated, all our amazing staff members work diligently to provide the very best for the students of DSUSD.


2023-2024 Student Board Members

Nataly Beltran-Lupian

 

NATALY BELTRAN-LUPIAN

Summit High School

 

Eduardo Gallardo

 

EDUARDO GALLARDO

Indio High School

 

Yritzi Gonzalez

 

YRITZI GONZALEZ

Palm Desert High School

 

Logan Jewett

 

LOGAN JEWETT

La Quinta High School

 

Valerie Maciel

 

VALERIE MACIEL

Amistad High School

 

Kylie Ragland

 

KYLIE RAGLAND

Shadow Hills High School

 

Leanna Rodriguez

 

LEANNA RODRIGUEZ

Horizon School

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