The Chula Vista Elementary School District announced last week that it will offer teachers union president Rosi Martinez the position of director of its community schools program, which oversees academic and social support services for high‑needs students at 13 district schools. The role carries a salary of up to $176,781, according to Voice of San Diego.
District leaders say the appointment follows a recent school‑board election in which the teachers union backed three candidates. Two union‑supported candidates—incumbent Jessica Tolston and newcomer Leticia Segura—won their races, while union critic Delia Dominguez Cervantes retained her seat despite a union‑funded effort to unseat her.
Union spending during the election cycle is detailed in campaign filings: the Chula Vista Elementary teachers union spent $101,173 on a statewide education ballot initiative and on the three board candidates, contributed more than $10,000 of its own money, and transferred $50,000 to a allied labor union to oppose Cervantes.
Martinez, who has led the district’s teachers union since 2021 and helped create the community schools program, defended her qualifications. She told Voice of San Diego, “My [decades‑long] background in education is important in moving community schools work forward… To say I am not qualified for this position is baseless.” She also described the allegations against her as racially motivated and said she welcomes legitimate criticism.
Former community schools director Joshua Kohler, however, warned that the timing of the hire raises concerns of self‑serving politics. “Seeing these things take place as elections come close, it seems to be self‑serving rather than based off of community interest,” Kohler said. He noted that Martinez’s recent union activities could hinder collaboration with district staff and cited past “irregularities in the hiring process.”
District hiring documents show the job was first posted on May 20 with a salary range up to $147,635. After the posting was halted, the description was revised, the salary was raised, and the position was reposted on Aug. 25 with an application deadline of Aug. 31. At the Aug. 12 board meeting, trustee Francisco Tamayo suggested raising the salary to attract candidates capable of handling the expanded duties, which now include managing the district’s Family Resource Centers that provide food and other necessities to families.
Transparent California reports Martinez earned a total compensation package of $169,562 in 2025, indicating the new salary would represent a modest increase over her prior earnings.
The school board is expected to vote on Martinez’s appointment as early as next week, a decision that will shape how the district delivers critical services to its most vulnerable students.
What’s next: The board’s vote, slated for the coming week, will determine whether Martinez assumes the director role. Community members and district staff who wish to voice support or concerns are encouraged to attend the upcoming board meeting, the date of which will be posted on the district’s website.
Sources: voiceofsandiego.org, voiceofsandiego.org
