By Ayla Ozturk
On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, the Tulare County Office of Elections began counting the votes from Visalia Unified School District [VUSD] Trustee Area 2. Paul Belt won the Trustee Area 2 seat race, replacing long-term incumbent Juan Guerrero.
VISALIA, CA – After days of counting, Paul Belt was declared the winner of the contest for the seat representing Trustee Area 2 on the VUSD Board of Education.
“First, I want to thank my opponent, Mr. Guerrero, as he played a large role for many years here in Visalia Unified,” Belt says. “It is not so much about winning, I actually said numerous times that I was not trying to ‘unseat’ Mr. Guerrero, but rather I was desiring to have or bring a voice with a different viewpoint and value set to the Board.”
Belt has resided in Visalia for 38 years. He is married to a VUSD teacher and has four sons who graduated from VUSD high schools.
He has worked with students in various programs, been involved in visual and performing arts [VAPA] productions, and hosted a teen-oriented radio talk show called Heart2Heart.
Belt says he is looking forward to learning about VUSD “from the Board’s seat” and “re-establishing the place of every parent [and] family to feel they are heard and valued.”
“Some look at the School Board as the ‘Boss’ of the school district when actually it’s the policy-making body that the Superintendent and staff carry out, the end result being our students learn, grow and achieve not only in academics but attaining the place of lifelong learners,” he says. “I want to make sure that I am a contributor to opening up every door for every student.”
Belt adds, “My desire is to see all VUSD Students thrive. To see every graduate ready to choose a college or vocational training or begin working with their future full of possibilities.”
Belt thanks all who “participated in the greatest gift of democracy” by voting. “Thank you to all who voted for me and for being engaged in the process,” he says.
Ayla Ozturk
Ayla Ozturk, class of 2024, is a fourth-year journalism student passionate about leading the News section. She is dedicated to informing students and amplifying their voices through Government and Politics writing.
You can reach her at ayla.oz3769@vusd.us.
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