Governing Board Member Trustee Area 5, Rialto Unified School District

Stephanie Lopez
Parent/AdvocateDemocratic
Rialto, CA
My name is Stephanie Lopez, and for more than 20 years, Rialto has been my home. This is where I’m raising my family, building relationships, and becoming deeply invested in the future of our children and schools. As a mother of a diverse family, I understand that every child is different and deserves to feel supported, safe, included, and valued.
As a student myself, I am continually learning and preparing for my future in education. As a parent of children with a 504 plan and IEP I understand the importance of education and the challenges families face.
I have put these experiences into action by serving in our schools through PTA, School Site Council, PBIS, and the Safety Committee. I am also honored to serve as President of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee.
I am running because I believe our children deserve advocates, our teachers deserve support, and our schools must be safe places to learn and grow. I will listen to families, stand up for students, support educators, and work collaboratively to find solutions.
I am Stephanie Lopez, and I am ready to continue advocating for our children, our schools, and the Rialto community we call home.
Posts from Stephanie Lopez
View the post- Stephanie Lopez
Election Day is right around the corner. Let’s bring the change Rialto needs. Let me be the start of that change. Let’s create a true student focused environment backed by teacher support, school safety, and inclusion.
Education
- University of PhoenixB.A. Liberal Studies
Endorsements
- Tim MullaneRetired Rialto Unified School Teacher10/20/2026
I endorse Stephanie Lopez for the Rialto School Board. I have known Mrs. Lopez for several years. As a mom with children in RUSD schools, she has actively been involved in school committees and activities. She uses her voice to advocate for children. She will represent your child's best interest with heart and responsibility. Her desire is to see improvement in student safety and supports. With these goals, teachers will automatically be supported too. This is a win-win.
- Yvette ValenciaRetired Rialto Unified School Teacher10/7/2026
I have known Stephanie Lopez for 14 years. I met her when I had her daughter in my TK class. As a retired Rialto teacher after 33 years, I have been around many parents. Ms. Lopez will always be a parent to remember. She was always very supportive and involved in our classroom. If I ever needed anything, she was the parent I asked. Even when her child wasn’t in my class, I could still count on her. Throughout the years, she has continued to be involved. Ms. Lopez has been involved in many capacities at the Dollahan. She has served as School Site Council President at Dollahan, was on the PTA, PBIS team, Safety Committee, and a parent volunteer. Now at Warner, she is on SSC, PBIS, as well as on the SEPAC Board. She has been to many district board meetings to voice her concerns. Stephanie stands for the students, teachers and schools! For these reasons I endorse Stephanie Lopez for Rialto School Board member. Sincerely , Yvette M. Valencia Retired Rialto teacher.
- Ana GonzalezEducator & Education Advocate10/7/2026
"As an educator and education advocate, I am proud to give my full endorsement to Stephanie Lopez for Rialto Unified School Board, District 5. Having witnessed her leadership firsthand, I know how deeply committed she is to the success of our schools. Stephanie consistently advocates for our students and ensures that our staff have the vital resources and support they need to thrive. She will bring much-needed transparency to the board and serve as a true, dedicated voice for the families she represents. Join me in supporting strong leadership for our schools—Vote Stephanie Lopez for District 5!" — Ana Gonzalez, Educator & Education Advocate
SP San Bernardino Democratic Party10/7/2026The San Bernardino County Democratic Party has carefully reviewed local candidates and proudly endorses leaders it believes will work for a strong, safe, and thriving Rialto. Stephanie Lopez for Rialto Unified School Board, Area 5
HC HCSB Health & Wellness & Emerging Youth ChairSelma Navarro10/7/2026I just think it’s amazing for us to have advocates for our children. I want someone in Rialto that has the best interest of all the children. I know that’s what Stephanie Lopez will be working towards.
JS Johanna SalazarParent & Community Member10/7/2026Every child in Rialto deserves to be safe, heard, and supported at school. Stephanie is the candidate who will fight for that.
When my special education child was failed at Rialto Middle School, Stephanie didn't look away. She stood before the school board and shared our story, along with the stories of many other students and families who have faced painful, unacceptable experiences. She gave voice to parents who had been ignored and children who couldn't speak for themselves.
That is the kind of leadership our district needs: someone who listens, speaks up, and acts, especially for our most vulnerable students.
Stephanie is a tireless advocate for all of Rialto's children, and she will make sure special education families are no longer overlooked.
Johanna Salazar, RUSD parent
SF Steven FigueroaEducation Advocate10/7/2026I advocate for kids in Rialto Unified and I support and endorse Stephanie Lopez for Rialto Unified School Board, District 5.
IL Inland Empire Latino Small Business & Community LeadersFrank Montes10/7/2026“Rialto schools need healing, stability, and civility, and that is why I’m proud to support Stephanie Lopez for Rialto School Board District 5. Stephanie is on the ground supporting families every day, and through her leadership as SEPAC President, she understands the challenges facing our students and families firsthand. She understands the importance of supporting our teachers and staff, being responsible with our district’s budget, and making sure every student receives the support they need to succeed. Stephanie brings a commitment to listening, collaboration, and putting students and families at the center of the conversation. At this moment, Rialto needs leaders who will help bring people together and focus on the work that matters most—our schools, our families, and our children. Join me in supporting Stephanie Lopez for Rialto School Board District 5.” — Frank Montes Small Business Advocate
DE Donna EnriquezParent & Community Member10/7/2026My name is Donna Enriquez, and I proudly endorse Stephanie Lopez. I love her commitment to celebrating diversity, strengthening inclusion, making our schools safer, and supporting our teachers. Her passion for student achievement and helping every child and parent feel valued, supported, and heard gives me hope for our district’s future. Thank you Stephanie, for caring about our children and community.
AJ Anna JimenezParent & Community Member10/7/2026I’m proud to support Stephanie Lopez for Rialto School Board, Area 5. Stephanie understands that strong schools start with strong communities—by listening to parents, supporting our teachers, and putting our children first.
Our kids deserve leaders who will show up, listen, and work together with families to build a brighter future. I believe Stephanie Lopez will be that voice for our community.
Please join me in supporting Stephanie Lopez for Rialto School Board, Area 5!
SM Sky MunguiaParent & Community Member10/7/2026Stephanie is always going above and beyond to help our children and families. She is a wonderful mom, friend, and family member who genuinely cares about making a difference in the lives of others. I am confident that Stephanie would be an excellent candidate to represent our children in the Rialto Unified School District, especially children with additional needs. She believes strongly in inclusion and makes sure that every child feels seen, supported, and included. Stephanie is always there when families need support. She continually looks for new resources, information, and opportunities to help our children succeed. Most importantly, she has firsthand experience navigating the challenges that families of children with additional needs face. She understands how difficult these situations can be and brings compassion, understanding, and a strong voice for our children and their families. I truly believe Stephanie would be a wonderful advocate and representative for our community. She cares deeply about our children, listens to families, and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure every child has the support and opportunities they deserve.
VF Vanessa FabianParent & Community Member10/7/2026Stephanie Lopez is an incredible mother, advocate, leader, and friend. Since my daughter Paula entered Dollahan Elementary, Stephanie has taught me what it truly means to advocate for my child. She has guided and encouraged me through difficult days and moments of uncertainty, always offering support, advice, and the tough words I sometimes needed to hear. Her dedication to Tristan and the special education community is inspiring. She is a true leader and a wonderful example of parent advocacy within the Rialto Unified School District.