I am a proud product of Chino Valley. My experiences and story are shaped by everyone around me from this area I call home. This is the first installment of stories of classmates, neighbors, friends, teachers and faculty, and others who support my campaign for school board, understand the value of public education, and are ready to see positive change in their own community by someone FROM their community who supports ALL students.
Giovanni Patalano was my Class President (Chino Hills High School class of ’09), but more importantly, Gio is a CVUSD alumnus who took chances in extracurriculars, led his classmates, and embraced diversity in his educational journey. All of this gave him new perspectives he found invaluable as he built relationships among fellow students.
Gio attended Butterfield Ranch Elementary, Townsend Jr. High, and Chino Hills High. He found his passion for leadership in student government (ASB) and discovered that wrestling made the biggest impact on his self-confidence. Upon graduating, Gio attended San Diego State University, where he majored in Business and later received his teaching credential at Cal Poly Pomona. Today, Gio (or Mr. Patalano) is a high school math teacher and department chair in North County San Diego, where he’s educating kids and supporting public education.
Among Gio’s favorite teachers was Mr. Bates (math, Townsend Jr. High), whom Gio credits for inspiring him to become an educator. In addition, Ms. Tasanont’s heart of gold made Gio feel supported as a student at Chino Hills High. Not only do Gio’s two nieces currently attend CVUSD, but his mother has been a longtime educator at CVUSD!
I am honored to have Gio’s support for my campaign. Gio’s story is just one of many that teaches us how inclusivity, diversity, care, and compassion are things we should prioritize when it comes to supporting students. Investing in students and educators should be the top priority in our district and one that I will prioritize if elected to school board.
Gio said, “Bobby has a perspective on issues in education that need to be considered. He brings in experiences that many of the students face but are often overlooked. I think he would play a vital role in supporting ALL students.”
Fun Fact: Gio reached out to his classmates from CHHS class of ’09 for our 10-year high school reunion planning committee at Roscoe’s in Chino Hills, which is where I met my now wife, Sara! Special shoutout to Mr. Patalano for always making connections!
