Protecting Music, Theater, and Student Programs
When major budget reductions threatened programs that enrich students’ lives, Demetrio served on the board-initiated Contract Review Committee to review every contract service and consultant contract in order to help identify savings from outside contracts.
That work allowed the district to retain seven elementary music teachers, preserve a theater manager position, and restore staffing at Kennedy High School while also strengthening district reserves.
Strengthening Protections for Immigrant Families
As an immigrant and former English learner, Demetrio understands the fear many families experience during periods of uncertainty. He supported stronger district procedures to protect immigrant students and families, including annual training for administrators on how to respond lawfully if immigration enforcement officers seek access to a school campus or student records. He also co-authored the district's immigration policy which protects our students and WCCUSD Schools while denying access to ICE agents to the campuses.
Standing with Educators and Helping Reach Labor Agreements
Demetrio has consistently worked to support the educators and staff who serve students every day. As board president, he participated directly in negotiations that helped avert a strike in 2023 and resulted in improved compensation, expanded paid baby bonding leave, a community-schools framework, and stronger safety supports.
During the 2025 strike, he again advocated for progress and supported our educators, classified staff and families to end the strike and have students back in the classrooms with the supports they need.
Protecting Teachers and Frontline School Staff
When proposed cuts threatened teachers and essential school staff, Demetrio voted to protect the people who work directly with students. He opposed proposed layoffs affecting teachers and classified employees and supported preserving campus supervisors and other frontline positions that help keep schools safe and functioning.
Advancing Family-Friendly Workplace Policies
Demetrio authored an expanded paid lactation-accommodations policy to better support employees returning to work after welcoming a child. The policy reflects his commitment to making WCCUSD a more supportive workplace for educators, staff, and working families.
Fiscal Accountability Without Abandoning Students
Demetrio has pushed for a more transparent and student-centered approach to district finances. As chair of the Budget Committee, he supported purpose-based budgeting to examine how spending aligns with the district’s goals. He has also advocated for a two-part strategy: improve student attendance and make WCCUSD schools more attractive to families, while protecting classroom resources whenever possible.
Preserving De Anza High School’s JROTC Program
When De Anza High School’s Air Force JROTC program was threatened by budget cuts, Demetrio advocated to keep it open. Working alongside the school, students, families, educators, and community members, he helped protect a program that provides leadership development, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for students.
Protecting Community Schools and all students
Demetrio has authored, co authored, or supported each of our inclusive policies and resolutions including our LGBTQ+ month and flag policy, our "all are welcome" policy, our anti racist policy, our anti slur policy, and many more.
Demetrio also authored the districts resolution in support of our community schools programs to ensure the important work is continued in our most marginalized communities.
Reflection Of Other Results
There are many additional accomplishments and meaningful moments from Demetrio’s time on the Board that are not captured above. Among the efforts he is especially proud of are co-leading a comprehensive review of more than 800 Board policies to ensure that WCCUSD is governed by clear and up-to-date standards; supporting the rebuilding and modernization of Richmond High School, Kennedy High School, Stege Elementary School, and Lake Elementary School; continuing to champion the International Academy; supporting Spanish and Mandarin dual-immersion programs; expanding career and college pathways across our high schools; advocating for updated curriculum and a more thoughtful balance between technology and traditional instruction; and helping secure academic credit and compensation for student trustees. These are just a few examples of the work Demetrio has been honored to support on behalf of WCCUSD students, families, and educators. Even with all of that, there are still so many things to get done...