Adelanto Elementary School District appoints new board member

Miguel Soto, Jr. was appointed to fill the vacant seat of the late Holly Eckes on the Adelanto Elementary School District Board of Trustees.

District officials announced in February the “sudden and untimely passing” of Eckes, 56, who Trustee President La Shawn Love-French described as a passionate supporter and advocate of AESD schools, teachers, staff, students, and the community.

The board appointed Soto, 22, during a special board meeting on March 28. He will represent Area 3 schools, including Columbia Middle School and Ted Vick Elementary School.

"We believe Trustee Soto, Jr. shares our passion for our students and families and we welcome him aboard as our newest Trustee,” said AESD Superintendent Michael Krause. “We stand united as one to ensure all students and families are our priority and we are excited to continue that journey with Trustee Soto, Jr."

Trustee/Board Clerk Stephanie Webster said,"Bringing together individuals that have the same common goal, values, and virtue is hard. I have full faith that Trustee Miguel Soto, Jr. shares the same standards as he joins our Board of Education.”

Webster added that she is impressed with Soto’s devotion to the Adelanto residents in District 3 and that Board "strived to find candidates that were qualified but had a passion for our community."

'Working collaboratively'

"I am deeply humbled to have been appointed as Adelanto Elementary School District's Board of Trustee, and I am excited to have the opportunity to serve our community,” Soto said. “As a trustee, I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow trustees to ensure that students in our district receive a high-quality education and that our schools are safe for everyone."

Soto added that he is deeply grateful to God, his family, and the community for the support and encouragement they have shown him throughout the appointment process.

“I look forward to making our schools the best that they can be,” said Soto, a Pomona native who was raised in the “lower-income” parts of San Bernardino.

From elementary age, Soto was labeled as the only gifted and talented education student in his classroom, he said. Education played a "pivotal role" in shaping his life.

“This sparked my passion for learning and drove me to challenge myself academically despite the adversities I faced,” he said. “After graduating high school in just 2.5 years, I was determined to break the cycle of poverty through education.”

As a big brother of three siblings, Soto became a role model for them and witnessed firsthand the impact of education on their lives. Two of his siblings attended schools within the district, further fueling his commitment to improving the education system in his community.

Community involvement

Soto said he volunteered as a sheriff's explorer for the Victorville Sheriff's Department, and participated in many community engagement events.

“I also served as a youth decoy, working alongside state investigators to prevent the sale of tobacco to minors by going undercover," he added

With a background in people management and public relations, Soto has held roles such as a people department manager and community relations coordinator, gaining valuable experience in working with diverse communities and building positive relationships.

“In 2012, I moved to the High Desert and settled in Adelanto. Since then, I have been actively involved in my community,” Soto said. “As a community organizer and activist, I am deeply passionate about advocating for the well-being of my community and striving for positive change.”

Soto served as a planning commissioner for the City of Adelanto and came up short during a bid for a city council seat during the November election, the Daily Press reported.

The November race for two, four-year term Adelanto City Council seats went to small business owner and first-time candidate Amanda Uptergrove and then Adelanto Planning Commissioner Angelo Meza.

Among six council candidates, Uptergrove captured 23.9% or 1,216 votes and Meza took 23.9% or 1214 votes. Soto placed third in earning 19.5% or 993 votes.

Despite being young and the only Latino man on the school board, Soto is committed to using his skills, experiences, and perspectives to contribute meaningfully to the education system and serve as a voice for the community, he said.

“I am currently pursuing my bachelor in psychology and bachelor in business through independent study and CLEP exams, further enhancing my knowledge and skills to better serve my constituents,” Soto said.

He added that his appointments to both the trustee position and planning commission have been intense, challenging, and rewarding, and reflect his passion for the community.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve my community as a trustee,” Soto said. “And to strive to make a positive impact on the lives of students and families in our district through my dedication, skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Holly Eckes

Eckes began her career as an Adelanto school district employee before serving as a board member. She was elected and sworn in as a trustee in July 2001.

In a previous interview, Victorville Mayor Debra Jones, who once served on the school board, told the Daily Press that she spent time with Eckes at the hospital.

“Her love for our Lord filled her inmost being,” Jones said. “Knowing she had mere days left on earth, I couldn’t help but notice the sparkle in her eyes when she spoke of the peace and joy to come.”

“She was immensely grateful for her life and many blessings,” Jones said. “We chatted and giggled about the years we served together as trustees. She was a force for good and will be missed terribly.”

As Eckes began her second stint on the board in 2015, former Trustee Jones stated that Eckes would be an asset to the governance team, especially with her familiarity with the role of a trustee due to 10 years of previous experience on the board.

“Mrs. Eckes has extensive experience as a prior board member in the Adelanto Elementary School District,” said then-Superintendent Edwin Gomez. “Mrs. Eckes has a passion to serve in this community where she has lived for over 24 years, so she is committed and dedicated to our students and our community.”

Gomez also mentioned that Eckes had served as a “proud volunteer” in various capacities through the Parent Teacher Association, the District English Learner Advisory Committee, budget advisory committees, and safety committees.

Eckes completed the California School Boards Association master's in governance program and served as a San Bernardino County delegate for seven years.

Eckes is survived by her husband, Donald Eckes, and her two sons, Bradley and Eric.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Adelanto Elementary School District appoints Miguel Soto, Jr.