Martha L. Martinez
Martha Martinez is Superintendent of Salinas City Elementary School District (SCESD) and a passionate educator who exhibits a relentless drive for public education. With over 20 years of administrative experience in various roles at site, district and county levels, her wish as SCESD Superintendent is to combine her knowledge and experience to ensures all learners have equitable opportunities to achieve at their highest potential. She started her educational career in Gilroy Unified School District as a paraprofessional became a state preschool teacher, elementary teacher and elementary principal. Her district and county level work included Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Senior Level Director of District & School Leadership Services, Categorical/Special Projects Director and State & Federal Programs administrator. In addition, Martha was the DAIT Lead for Santa Clara County Office of Education and Region 5 Director (Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz) for the Regional System of District & School Support (RSDSS).
Martha received a M.A in Organizational Leadership from University of San Francisco and B.A. in Child Development from San Jose State University. She has received the following awards for her contributions to educational leadership; 2018 ACSA Region 10 Superintendent of the Year, 2017 Golden Bell for Changing School Communities and Beyond, 2017 CASP Founders Award, ACSA Region 10 2017 Valuing Diversity Award, 2016 CSBA Golden Bell for Heart for the Homeless, 2015 Model Innovation City Recognition and 2015 ASCA Curriculum & Instruction Award, 2014 Hermanas Leading Network Award, 2012 ASCA Region 8 Central Office Administrator, CALSA 2012 Honoring Our Own and she received a 2012 Certificate of Recognition from Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, for her work as the Distinguished School Regional Lead.
Martha is especially proud to be the 2017-18 President of California Association of Latino Superintendents (CALSA) and a Founding Member of the Latino Family Fund Foundation. She also was a CALSA mentor for Cohort 7 & 9 as well as former CALSA Region 1 Representative. Currently she serves on the Community Alliance for Safety & Peace Board of Directors, California Equity Leadership Alliance, CSUMB Teacher Council, Monterey County Task Force for Safe Routes to Schools, San Jose State University Education Advisory Board, Steering Partner for Monterey County Bright Futures, ACSA Region 10 Board of Directors and Educational Leaders of Monterey County