Committees
NEA-Jurupa committees are how members shape union priorities, advocate for educators, and build community. Find a committee and get involved.
Standing & Special Committees
Bargaining
Surveys membership and negotiates with the district for our contract and compensation.
After work meetings (as needed); substitute release time (typically 8–12 full days)
- Melaney Watson, Del Sol AcademyChair
- Daniel Schaefer, Mira Loma Middle
- Amber Geldien, Rubidoux
- Jacob Updegrove, Mission Middle
- John Taylor, Glen Avon
- Gerardo Sanchez, Del Sol Academy
- Rachel Weeks, Mira Lomaalt
- Otis Williams, Patriotalt
Benefits
Meets with benefits providers and the district to decide benefit options for members.
Substitute release time (typically 1–2 half-days)
- David O'Rafferty, President
- Maurice Castro, West Riverside
- Dan Schaefer, Mira Loma Middle
- Melaney Watson, Del Sol Academy
Budget
Reviews and advises on NEA-Jurupa budget and financial planning.
After work meetings (as needed)
- David O'Rafferty, President
- Dan Schaefer, Mira Loma Middle
- Melaney Watson, Del Sol Academy
- Amber Geldien, Rubidoux
Elections
Coordinates and administers NEA-Jurupa chapter elections.
Short after work virtual meetings (typically 2–3 per election)
- Jacob Updegrove, Mission MiddleChair
- Michelle Johnson, Del Sol Academy
- Amber Geldien, Rubidoux
- Jared Zimmerman, Nueva Vista
- Ariana Garcia, Mission Middle
- Tyler Hughes, Stone Avenue
Equity
Creates systems of support and recognition for minority populations.
After work meetings (typically once per month)
- Melinda Tapia, Jurupa MiddleCo-Chair
- Chelsea Jaramillo, Del Sol AcademyCo-Chair
- Brianna Moreno-Hughes, PatriotCo-Chair
- Michelle Johnson, Del Sol Academy
- Melaney Watson, Del Sol Academy
- De Pannu, PAAM
- Natalie Rangel, Mira Loma Middle
Grievance
Guides members through the grievance process when administration violates the contract.
After work meetings and email communications (as needed)
- Andy Elliott, PedleyChair
- Maurice Castro, West Riverside
- Lisa Rodriguez, Del Sol Academy
- Ronald Allbee, Glen Avon
- Melinda Tapia, Jurupa Middle
- May Isaacson, Nueva Vista
LCAP
Processes and communicates NEA-Jurupa LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan) input to the district LCAP committee.
Substitute release time (typically 2 half-days)
- Christopher Case, Patriot
- Maurice Castro, West Riverside
- Amber Geldien, Rubidoux
- Juana Rodriguez, Patriot
Member Engagement
Plans, organizes, and prepares member engagement activities and materials.
After work meetings (as needed)
- Melaney Watson, Del Sol AcademyChair
- Talin Pratt, Peralta
- Rochelle Rowe, Jurupa Middle
- Chelsea Black, Mission Middle
- Todd Chard, Rubidoux
- Tyler Hughes, Stone Avenue
Organizing
Creates and implements plans and strategies to engage members around current NEA-Jurupa issues.
After work meetings (as needed)
- Amber Geldien, RubidouxChair
- Melaney Watson, Del Sol Academy
- Andy Elliott, Pedley
- Melinda Arellano Tapia, Jurupa Middle
- Rochelle Rowe, Jurupa Middle
- Maurice Castro, West Riverside
Political Action (PAC)
Connects with candidates and recommends to Rep Council for endorsement and support.
After work meetings (as needed)
- Christopher Case, PatriotChair
- Carolyn Snow, Sky CountryTreasurer
- May Isaacson, Nueva Vista
- Talin Pratt, Peralta
Safety
Receives training, inspects schools and district facilities with a classified partner, and prepares a brief report with photos for the district safety team.
Substitute release time (typically 4 full days in the spring)
- Jorge Zaragoza, Patriot
- Amber Geldien, Patriot
- Kirk Hortmiller, Patriot
- Maria Campos, Jurupa Valley
Scholarship
Reviews applications and selects the winning NEA-Jurupa scholarship recipients.
Substitute release time (one p.m. half day in April)
- Andrea Lyman, Jurupa ValleyChair
- May Isaacson, Nueva Vista
- James Marnell, Patriot
- Leticia Mellin, Rubidoux
Special Education
Gathers and organizes information and support for special education issues.
After work meetings (as needed)
- Talin Pratt, PeraltaChair
- Kelsey Demerjian, Rustic Lane
- De Pannu, PAAM
- Britta Bailey, Troth Street
- Dinah Palagi, Pedley
- Sabrina Murguia, Mission Bell
- Tyler Hughes, Stone Avenue
- Natalie Rangel, Mira Loma Middle
Want to get involved?
Committee participation is open to all NEA-Jurupa members. Contact the association president to express interest in joining a committee.