The State Center Community College District (SCCCD) board has elected John Leal as its president.

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Leal is a retired educator who was elected to the board of trustees in 2012 and re-elected in November. He is a graduate of Roosevelt High School and attended Fresno City College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Fresno State and a Professional and Master of Arts in education from Fresno Pacific University. He has served in several administrative leadership positions, including principal of Caruthers High School and assistant principal of Roosevelt High School.

“I look forward to working with our dedicated faculty, staff, administration, fellow board members and community partners as we continue our commitment to improve student learning and success,” Leal said in a statement.

“I’m very proud of the work we do at State Center Community College District in empowering our colleges in their efforts to promote innovative educational opportunities that provide safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments leading to student success and global competitiveness which will transform our Valley.”

Other board leaders include Bobby Kahn, who was elected vice president, and Eric Payne, who will serve as secretary. The executive committee is joined by trustees Migual Arias, Richard M. Caglia, Ronald H. Nishinaka, and Deborah J. Ikeda.