Delta College Board of Trustees appoint Armando Valerio to seat vacated by Kathleen Garcia

The San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees appointed Armando Valerio, a Stockton native and a physical therapist, to serve on the school's governing board Tuesday.

Valerio replaces former Area 5 Trustee Kathleen Garcia, who resigned on March 27 amid a lawsuit filed by Delta College to remove her from her seat. The college argued that Garcia violated California Government Code 1099, which prohibits elected officials from simultaneously holding two public offices that are deemed incompatible.

The appointment will last until the November election, when Garcia's term was set to expire. Area 5 comprises eastern San Joaquin County, Calaveras County, and southeastern Sacramento County.

An alumnus of Delta College, Valerio said the college helped him find his way in life. After receiving his associate's degree, he went on to major in physical education at California State University, Sacramento and later received his doctorate at University of the Pacific.

“Delta College is near and dear to my heart,” Valerio said. “I firmly believe in the mission of the college. As a trustee, I’m excited to work with my colleagues to provide students with a pathway to success, whether they are pursuing a certificate that leads directly to a job, seeking transfer to a four-year university, or simply looking to learn new skills.”

Previously, Valerio served on the citizens’ oversight committee for Delta College's Measure L bond and has also worked as a part-time adjunct instructor at the college.

“I’m pleased to welcome Trustee Valerio to the board, and want to thank him for his willingness to serve,” Delta College Superintendent Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson said. “His extensive work in the community will serve our college well as we seek to strengthen partnerships and spread the word about the possibilities that Delta offers to all residents of our district.”

Five candidates were interviewed for the Area 5 seat at Tuesday's board meeting. Valerio was then selected and sworn in by Board President Charles Jennings.

Under state law, Valerio's appointment is provisional. The public has 30 days from the date of the appointment to file a petition, containing a sufficient number of signatures, with the San Joaquin County superintendent of schools in order to require a special election. If no petition is filed, the appointment becomes effective.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Delta College Board of Trustees appoint Armando Valerio to Area 5 seat