Guiding Coalition
The Guiding Coalition is a diverse group of students, educators, staff, families, community members, and district leaders working together to design Bellflower Unified’s Framework for the Future.
In partnership with Learner-Centered Collaborative, Co-CEO Katie Martin, and Director of Strategic Partnerships Kelly Williams, the coalition helps shape the district’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, Learner Profile, and long-term direction, ensuring our work is learner-centered, inclusive, and grounded in community voice. Members gather feedback between sessions so the framework reflects the experiences and aspirations of the entire Bellflower community.
Meetings
| Members | Organization Representation |
|---|---|
| Dr. Erin M. Simon | Bellflower Leadership - Superintendent |
|
Ryan Smith |
Bellflower Leadership - Deputy Superintendent |
| Bonnie Carter | Bellflower Leadership - Assistant Superintendent Education Services |
| Alma Ulloa | Bellflower Leadership - Assistant Superintendent School Services |
| Renee Arkus | Inspiration Visit - Chief Business Officer |
| Brad Chrihfield | Inspiration Visit Member - Board |
| Linda Morgan | Inspiration Visit Member - PTA |
| Michelle Cuellar | Inspiration Visit - CSEA President |
| Gilbert Castaneda | Inspiration Visit - BUSD Director Secondary |
| Deirdre Reyes | Inspiration Visit - BUSD Director Elementary |
| Sue Curtiss | Inspiration Visit - Elementary Admin |
| Eddie Cruz | Inspiration Visit - Elementary Admin |
| Kieu Trang Nguyen | Inspiration Visit - Elementary Admin |
| Jessica Cummings | Inspiration Visit - Secondary Admin |
| John Young | Current BTA Respresentative |
| Alex Cortez | Current PTA Council Representative |
| Sasha Leonardo | Cerritos College Representative |
| Christian Caceres | Director of Technology |
| Yesenia Alvarez | Director State & Federal Programs |
| Araceli Roldan | Teacher - Alternative |
| Daniel Fong | Teacher - Middle School |
| Kari McDaniel | Teacher Secondary (IV) |
| Elsa Hernandez | Special Education Teacher ESN |
| Jeannette Martinez | Multilingual Coordinator |
| Carmela Nevarez | Counselor |
| Kristin Jones | Counselor on Special Assignment |
| Creating Creators: Hipolito M. Navarrete | Business Owner |
| Terri Erickson | Office Staff |
| Kaiser: Jennifer Rodriguez | Community Member |
| Patricia Diaz Arroyo | Principal |
| Frank Olmos | Personnel Commission |
| Mayra Garza | Inspiration Visit Member - Board |
| Eugina Thomas | Teacher - Elementary |
| Elizabeth Eagan | Alt Ed Teacher |
| Chibuike Iwuanyanwu | Secondary Student |
| Denise Ramirez | 6th Grade Student |
| Veronica Sanchez | Parent |
| Melissa Ellis | Teacher - CTE |
| Laura Estrada | Teacher - Dual Immersion |
| Socorro Melgarejo | Case Service Worker |
| Maria Del Carmen Martinez | Instructional Aide |
| Remily Coronel-Verayo | Special Education Teacher RSP |
| Sylvia Jones | Citizens' Task Force - Chairperson |
| Carolina Tizcareno | Special Education Teacher MM |
| Sue Berhow | Personnel Commission |
| Mosheh Chanan | Clergy |
| Dan Koops | Bellflower City Council Representative |
| David Arrelano | Lakewood City Council Representative |
| Sophia Tse | Cerritos City Council Representative |