El Monte Union High School District showcased its unwavering commitment to student advocacy as District representatives championed the needs of California students during the 2024 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and California School Boards Association (CSBA)’s Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip to Washington, D.C held April 8-10.

El Monte Union’s Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga traveled approximately 2,800 miles to join forces with more than 260 ACSA-CSBA members who advocated for students on Capitol Hill during Coast2Coast. District representatives dialogued and held meetings with legislators who represent the El Monte Union community at the Federal level including Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez on pressing issues facing California students.

El Monte Union’s participation in Coast2Coast emphasizes its commitment to addressing both national and local education needs, prioritizing student well-being and academic success through proactive initiatives and community engagement.

“Our District is devoted to providing quality education and opportunities for all students. Joining the Coast2Coast Advocacy Trip underscores our commitment to empowering student voices and fostering positive change in education,” Dr. Zuniga said. “Through proactive engagement, we aim to address our Community’s distinct needs and shape policies that promote student success.”

This year’s Coast2Coast focused on a range of issues, such as increasing special education funding, enhancing teacher recruitment and retention efforts, reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools Act, expanding broadband access, and safeguarding student data with cybersecurity resources.

The 2024 Coast2Coast Advocacy Trip also featured information sessions from Education Week Assistant Editor Alyson Klein, White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden, U.S. Deputy Education Secretary Cindy Marten, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting Under Secretary Kumar Chandran. Sessions covered a range of topics, from artificial intelligence in education to federal education policy updates, and school meals.