John Ramirez, Jr.

Co-Facilitator, Connecting Compadres

John Ramirez, Jr. began his working career at the tender age of six, harvesting strawberries in the Salinas Valley. When he graduated from Alisal High School, he also graduated from weekends, holidays as summers of stoop labor. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Santa Clara University and a Master of Arts in Education from Harvard University. He came back to California and Completed a Pupil Personnel Services and Administrative Services Credential from San Jose State University. His career has included teaching in San Jose and Salinas California. His site level administration included being the Principal of both the middle and high schools he attended in east-Salinas. He is the proud father of two, his daughter a UC Riverside graduate and current real estate agent in San Diego, and his son an undergraduate at UC Santa Barbara.

Mr. Ramirez has nearly 30 years of experience in education. He has served as district superintendent in California at the Alisal Union School District and most recently, the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD). He also has served as the Executive Vice President for The Foundation for Hispanic Education.

While at SUSD, Mr. Ramirez led over 37,000 students, more than 5,000 employees, 8 bargaining units and an $851 million budget. During his tenure as a consultant and superintendent, he conducted several audits including a budget, academic and facilities review. SUSD saw an 8% growth in graduation rates and a 160% increase in EL redesignation rates, both unprecedented growth numbers in the district. He also led the implementation of students returning to school in a hybrid model during the COVID-19 pandemic, after SUSD was the only school in the county still operating under remote learning.  Mr. Ramirez has proven to be a highly capable negotiator and communicator with extensive knowledge of budgets and facilities.  All 8 bargaining unit contracts were settled, an unprecedented feat to complete in one year. SUSD obtained California Department of Education approval to redirect one-time ESSR funds to critical facilities projects, including the building of much needed science and CTE classrooms When arriving at SUSD, he completed construction of the district office building for less than $4 million, using only 18% of the over $22 million original budget (The building sat for years after purchase because of lack of funds).[A1] 

As Superintendent of the Alisal Union School District (AUSD), he was responsible for the effective operation of the district for almost seven years. During his tenure, the district exited California state oversight one year early, reached a 20% budget reserve during the great recession of California, built a new school $500,000 under budget, led the first 1:1 technology school in Monterey County, adopted new language arts and math curriculum, regained oversight of the Migrant Program, implemented the Alisal Labor Management Initiative, and created an Educational Services Department which resulted in an 11% increase in English Language Arts, 19% gain in mathematics, a 70-point API growth, receiving three Gold Ribbon school designations. He also led the completion of a Facility Master Plan, a District audit 4-years into his tenure, and passed a $70-million bond.

Mr. Ramirez’ expertise also includes proficient knowledge of charter school operations and curriculum design.  As the Executive Vice President for The Foundation for Hispanic Education (TFHE), he provided leadership to three charter high schools in San Jose, California. During his time with TFHE, he led the alignment of the content curriculum to newly developed benchmark assessments, including English Language Development. As a result, 98% of students graduated, with 100% enrolled in a post-secondary institution. He helped build a cohesive Charter Management Organization approach to instruction, increasing cross-collaboration and maximizing efficiency.  Upon arrival with TFHE, there was a 10% structural deficit. After leading the settlement of the first union contract, TFHE developed staffing ratios, a consistent program design for all three schools, and a balanced budget. TFHE also secured a $31.5 million facility grant to build a permanent building for one of the schools.  Finally, he led the successful renewal of two of the Charter Petitions. Through working with District leadership, the Board of Trustees, and the California Charter School Association, the renewals received a unanimous vote.