Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone
Educator & Community Leader
BCSD, School Board Trustee Area 3​

Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone is a first-generation college graduate, she holds a Masters in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Fresno State University. Her leadership journey began in 2003 with acceptance to the National Hispanic Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C.

Most recent public service and achievements:

• Elected Trustee of Area 3 of the Bakersfield City School District School Board in November 2020
• Elected President of the Bakersfield City School District School Board in 2023
• Named California's Higher Educator of the Year by the California Teachers Association
• Recipient of the Human Rights Champion Award from the Sierra Service Center
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Chris was born and raised in Kern County by a single teenage mother. She credits her success to the opportunities provided by Bakersfield's public education system. She and her twin sister were part of the Performing Arts Magnet Program at Mt. Vernon Elementary. At East Bakersfield High School (Class of 1999), Chris and her husband John Boone were both state qualifiers in History Day and Bicentennial competitions. 

Today, John is a math teacher at Valley Oaks Charter High School and Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone is a college professor at Bakersfield College. They live downtown with their two children and their rescue dog, Rupert Giles, continuing to serve and strengthen their community.