Sandra Virginia Buendia, Ed.D.
I was born and raised in East Los Angeles, California. My parents immigrated from Mexico and later became citizens of the United States of America. They instilled in me the belief that education is the key to accessing personal and professional opportunities and success.
I was a teacher for over 10 years, with my experience spanning three states: California, Illinois, and Utah. I moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1997. I dedicated 27 of my 37 years in education to serving in the SLCSD. I held many leadership roles that gave me a deep understanding of how to better serve and support students, families, and teachers in the city and district.
My daughters attended the district, and now my grandchildren are enrolled in local schools. I believe in public schools.
To achieve the highest outcomes for all students, I know that there is work to do. I believe that SLCSD has great teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff. I believe that we have strong communities that care about students and schools.
Being part of the school board for precinct 5 will allow me to leverage my experience, expertise, and district knowledge to create a more effective school board that centers actions and decisions on students’ best interest and needs.
The future is bright for SLCSD. Through partnerships with families, educators, businesses, and community leaders, we can create learning environments that set up all students for success in life and career.
Engage Students
Engage Students
Engage Students
Nurture the love of learning in all students and prioritize their well-being.
- Ensure all students have access to meaningful, highly engaging, and academically challenging instruction.
- Ensure all students feel safe and have a sense of belonging.
- Ensure all students experience a balance of academic instruction and enrichment activities.
Involve Parents
Engage Students
Engage Students
Embrace parents as partners in education.
- Honor the dignity of every parent.
- Listen and learn from parents.
- Create inviting environments that welcome all parents to participate in the educational experiences of their students.
Trust Teachers
Support Leaders
Support Leaders
Respect educators’ professional knowledge, experience, and expertise.
- Cultivate professional collaboration and the development of teacher leaders.
- Provide educators with the resources and time needed to support students with specialized needs.
- Ensure equity in the design of the instructional day and periods across the district.
Support Leaders
Support Leaders
Support Leaders
Provide a professional environment that fosters leadership success.
- Increase school leaders' time in their buildings to support classrooms and parents.
- Provide school leaders with the resources and time needed to support students with specialized needs.
- Trust school leaders.
Endorsements from Community Members
Crystal Mara Young
Community Leader
Caucus Endorsements
