Calipatria Unified School District · Imperial Valley

Still in the classroom.
Still fighting for Calipatria.

Décadas en el aula. Una vida al servicio de nuestros estudiantes.

Teacher. Coach. Trustee. Former Mayor. For decades, every decision Raul Navarro has made starts with one question: what's best for our students? It always will.

Endorse Raul Meet Raul
Raul Navarro teaching Political Science at Imperial Valley College
Raul Navarro teaching Political Science at Imperial Valley College.
Raul Navarro teaching a dual enrollment class
Raul Navarro teaching a dual enrollment course — bringing college credit to Imperial Valley high school students.
Classroom Proven

He Teaches. He Listens. He Leads.

Whether teaching at Imperial Valley College or San Diego State University Imperial Valley, Raul is in the college classroom working directly with students. He understands their challenges, their aspirations, and the opportunities they deserve because he experiences them firsthand. That perspective guides every decision he makes as an educator and public servant.

Trustee Raul Navarro giving a thumbs up at a community event in his Calipatria Hornets polo
Trustee Navarro — always showing up for the Calipatria community.
Raul Navarro speaking at a community event podium
Raul Navarro addressing the community at a school district event.
Board Experience

Trusted Leadership. Proven Results.

As a School Board Trustee and former Board President, Raul has helped oversee multimillion-dollar budgets, strengthen academic programs, and make responsible decisions that put students first. His leadership is guided by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to educational excellence.

Raul Navarro reading to students at Niland school
Raul Navarro reading to students in Niland.
Coach Raul Navarro at the BYMS Boys Basketball Tournament
Coach Navarro on the sideline at the BYMS Boys Basketball Tournament.
IVROP Community Foundation Scholarship awards at Calipatria High School
IVROP Community Foundation Scholarship awards.
Community Roots

30+ years coaching our kids.

Basketball, baseball, flag football. Mayor. Councilmember. IVROP board member. Wherever this community has needed him, Raul has shown up — for more than 30 years.

"Education changes lives. Leadership creates opportunity."
— Raul Navarro

Original music · Música original

Video coming soon — Raul in the classroom
Video coming soon — coaching on the court
Video coming soon — Raul at the board table
Video coming soon — community events
Priorities · Prioridades

Built from real experience.
Not talking points.

Decades in the classroom, on the board, in city government, and on the court — these priorities come from showing up for Calipatria's students and families, year after year.

Student Achievement & Academic Excellence

Raise academic standards, expand support services, close achievement gaps, and give every student the foundation to succeed in college, career, and life.

Career & College Readiness

Clear, achievable pathways through dual enrollment, CTE programs, and workforce partnerships — connecting students to scholarships, internships, and real careers.

Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency

Raul has overseen multimillion-dollar public budgets. Every dollar stays focused on student success — with full transparency and public accountability.

Community-Centered Schools

Strong schools are built on strong partnerships between families, community organizations, and local employers — supporting students inside and outside the classroom.

Support Teachers & Staff

Teachers and staff are the backbone of every great school. Raul will fight for the resources, compensation, and respect they deserve — and listen when they speak.

Student Leadership & Extracurriculars

Athletics, arts, student government — what happens outside the classroom shapes character and changes lives. Raul will protect and expand it for every student.

Official portrait of Raul Navarro
Meet Raul · Conozca a Raul

A life dedicated to Imperial Valley students.

Raul's commitment to education didn't start when he decided to run. It started decades ago — in classrooms, on basketball courts, in city halls, and in communities across the Imperial Valley. When he talks about students and families, he speaks from experience. He's been there every step of the way.

He currently teaches Political Science at Imperial Valley College, lectures at SDSU Imperial Valley, and teaches dual enrollment courses through school districts across the Imperial Valley — helping high school students earn college credit before they graduate. Through restorative justice education programs at Calipatria and Centinela State Prisons, he's seen firsthand the transformative power of education.

Raul Navarro with his family at a Calipatria graduation
Raul Navarro with family — celebrating a Calipatria graduation night.
Raul Navarro at a CUSD graduation ceremony
Proud to serve — celebrating CUSD graduates.

Education

  • MPA — National University
  • B.S., Administration of Justice — San Diego State University
  • A.S., Administration of Justice — Imperial Valley College
  • Graduate — Calipatria High School

  • School Board Trustee & Former Board President

    Fideicomisario de la Mesa Directiva

    Governing with fiscal responsibility, educational vision, and accountability to students and families.

  • College Educator, Dual Enrollment & Restorative Justice Instructor

    Profesor universitario

    Political Science at Imperial Valley College, Lecturer at San Diego State University Imperial Valley, and dual enrollment courses helping Imperial Valley high schoolers earn college credit before graduation.

  • Board Member, IVROP & IVROP Community Foundation

    Miembro de la junta, IVROP

    Supporting CTE, scholarships, STEM programs, and workforce development across the region.

  • Former Mayor & City Councilmember

    Ex alcalde y concejal

    Local governance, infrastructure, and public policy in service of the community.

  • Regional Leadership

    Liderazgo regional

    Former President & VP, Imperial County League of Cities; board member, Imperial Valley Association of Governments; Local Transportation Authority representative.

  • 30+ Years as Coach & Mentor

    Entrenador y mentor

    Head basketball coach and youth athletics coach. His players aren't just athletes — they're future leaders, parents, and community members.

In the News · En las Noticias

What people are saying.

Community

Endorsements & community recognition.

Organizations and voices supporting Raul's campaign.

7 people have endorsed Raul. Add your name.
Endorse · Apoye a Raul

Stand with Raul.

Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, business owner, or former student — your endorsement matters. It tells voters Raul has the trust of the people who know this community best.

Early endorsements · Primeros apoyos

Santa Lugo
Teacher
Julia Lopez
Teacher · Calipatria
"He has supported our students and teachers. He always believes in what is right for our district."
Nataly Coronado
Calipatria
"He is an amazing person who truly cares about ones necessities, and well being."
Carlos Lara
Teacher, Fremont Primary · Calipatria
Vida Navarro
Student & Daughter · Calipatria
"Best Dad Ever!"
Lynn Mara
North End Community Member · Niland
Karina Rodriguez
Calipatria

Add your name and join the growing coalition standing with Raul Navarro for School Board.

✓ Thank you for standing with Raul! The campaign will be in touch.
Get Involved · Participe

Great schools don't happen on their own.

Raul needs committed people from across the district to spread the word, knock on doors, and make sure voters know what's at stake. Tap every way you can help:

🖨 Print Volunteer Walk Sheet
I'm In — Count Me In
✓ You're on the team. The campaign will reach out!

Your donation — no matter the size — helps Raul reach more voters, print more mailers, and put up more signs across the district. Every dollar goes directly toward putting experienced leadership back in our schools.

Donate to Raul's Campaign →

Make your vote count.

Election Day

Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Imperial County.

Calipatria: City Hall, 125 N Park St
Niland: Grace Smith Elementary, 9 E 4th StConfirm your polling place on your sample ballot or with the Registrar.

Register to Vote

Register online in minutes at registertovote.ca.gov. Not sure if you're already registered? Check with the county registrar below.


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Vote by Mail

Every registered California voter automatically receives a ballot in the mail — there's no separate absentee ballot to request. Return it by mail (postmarked by Election Day), at any official drop box, or at any polling place.

Track Your Ballot

Sign up to get texts or emails when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted. It only takes a minute and gives you peace of mind that your vote was recorded.


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Polling Places

Calipatria: City Hall, 125 N Park St — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Niland: Grace Smith Elementary, 9 E 4th St — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Locations based on prior election. Confirm with the Registrar closer to November 2026.

Imperial County Registrar →