Introducing Our Board

The Board of Education is the governing body for the San Juan Unified School District. Terms are staggered so that three or four seats are up for election every two even-numbered years. In November 2022, San Juan Unified moved to by-trustee area elections and increased the size of the board to seven board members. Board members earn compensation of $787.50 each month and may subscribe to the district's health insurance plans. The superintendent of the school district serves as the chief executive officer, manages district staff and ensures that board policies are carried out. Members of the public can reach ALL board members directly by e-mailing boardmembers@sanjuan.edu.

 

Ben Avey - President (Area 6)
Term Ends 2026

Ben Avey is a parent of school-age children and nonprofit leader that has dedicated his career to improving local neighborhoods through public policy, advocacy, and community engagement. A graduate of Del Campo High School and San Diego State University, Ben has served in the State Capitol, as civilian public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy in Japan, and with state and local non-profits. He is currently the chief public affairs officer at WellSpace Health, a non-profit community health system serving the underserved. A lifelong community volunteer, Ben was the founder and past president of the San Juan Parents Association (an independent community group) and past president of his kids’ school site council. He has been awarded the U.S. Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, recognized as 40 Under 40 by SD Metro Magazine, and in recognition of his service to teens and adults with disabilities, honored with a community service award. Ben lives in Fair Oaks with his wife and kids.

 

Tanya Kravchuk - Vice President (Area 5)
Term Ends 2026

Tanya Kravchuk is a proud mom of four and a dedicated community leader with a passion for education and child advocacy. A graduate of San Juan Unified schools and California State University, Sacramento, she understands the challenges families face — especially as an immigrant who moved to the U.S. at the age of five. As a business owner and longtime nonprofit professional, she has spent most of her career serving children and families, including nearly a decade at the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, advocating for the community’s most vulnerable youth. Tanya has been deeply involved in her community, serving as vice president of her school site council, teaching Sunday school for over 20 years, and holding leadership roles in organizations like the Rotary Club of Sacramento and the Night of Hope benefit concert. With a strong background in public affairs and community engagement, she is committed to ensuring every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
 

Manuel Perez - Clerk (Area 7)
Term Ends 2026

Manuel Perez was elected to the board in 2023. Manuel is deeply committed to serving the constituents of this diverse and vibrant community, with a focus on advocating for educational excellence, campus safety and community engagement. A dedicated father of three and a volunteer for the police department, he holds a seat on the construction board of appeals for the city of Citrus Heights and has been a resident of Citrus Heights for more than 20 years. Manuel's journey in public service is rooted in a profound love for his community. Prior to his election, Manuel built a reputation as a hardworking advocate for educational improvement and community development.

 

Zima Creason - Member (Area 3)
Term Ends 2026

Zima Creason is a proud member of the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education, where she is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality, inclusive, and supportive education, regardless of their background, identity, or zip code. As a trustee, Zima brings a deep commitment to equity, mental health, and student success. She advocates for policies that support the whole child, the workforce, and strengthen connections between schools, families, and communities. Her focus is on expanding opportunities for all students, closing achievement and access gaps, and preparing young people to thrive in school, work, and life. Outside of her board service, Zima serves as Executive Director of the California EDGE Coalition, where she leads efforts to address workforce shortages, strengthen career pathways, and promote economic mobility. She has worked in policy and advocacy since 2001, with a focus on mental health, education, and workforce development. Zima is also a parent, a long-time community advocate, and a firm believer in the power of public education to transform lives. She is honored to serve the students, families, and educators of San Juan Unified and to work collaboratively toward a future where all children have the opportunity to succeed.

 

Nick Bloise - Member (Area 4)
Term Ends 2028

Nick Bloise was elected to the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education in 2024. Nick has been a lifelong resident of Carmichael. During his early years, he attended San Juan Unified schools (K-12) and graduated from Mira Loma High School. Nick is an Army veteran who served 23 years (on reserve and active duty), retiring as a Major. He earned a Master of Business Administration (Finance) and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accountancy), with a minor in Economics, from California State University, Sacramento. In addition, Nick graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College. Nick’s career experiences include over 25 years of service with the State of California as an auditor. He has also served as a guest teacher in San Juan Unified and as a member of the Bond Oversight Committee. Additionally, he has family currently enrolled in San Juan Unified schools. Nick is an active community volunteer on several boards, commissions and foundations. He looks forward to working with students, parents, teachers, staff and the community  to ensure students are safe and receive the highest quality education. 

 

Abid Stanekzai - Member (Area 1)  
Term Ends 2028

Abid Stanekzai was elected to the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education in 2024. A dedicated community advocate, Abid has been actively working to improve lives through education and community support. Since 2021, Abid has served as a Program Manager with the MAS-SSF, where he leads efforts to strengthen community development, provide support services, and advocate for social equity. As a parent of three children attending Greer Elementary School, Abid brings firsthand experience of the district’s strengths and opportunities for growth. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a master’s degree in Political Science, equipping him with the knowledge and leadership skills to address complex educational and policy challenges. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Pashto, Persian/Dari, and Urdu/Hindi, Abid uses his multicultural perspective to build connections and foster inclusivity across the district’s diverse communities. As a board member, he is committed to promoting equity, enhancing campus safety, and creating pathways to success for all students.

 

Pam Costa - Member (Area 2)
Term Ends 2028

Pam Costa was elected to the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education in 2012. Pam graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a California teaching credential. She earned a Master's in Educational Leadership and an Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Sacramento. Pam served as a teacher, principal and director of numerous schools and programs in San Juan Unified, including 21 elementary schools, the BSTA/PAR program and the Early Childhood Education programs. Pam has also seen San Juan schools from a parent’s perspective. Her son, Josh, attended San Juan schools from kindergarten through high school and, upon graduating from college, worked for the district first as a teacher and later as an administrator. Pam's granddaughter and grandson are in elementary school in San Juan Unified, so she has current, firsthand experience with what is happening at our schools. Since being elected to the Board, Pam has completed the California School Boards Association’s (CSBA) Masters in Governance Program, has been a member of the Delegate Assembly for ten years, served on the CSBA Conference Committee, and was a Golden Bell validator.