2 named to east county school boards

The Wellton and Hyder elementary school districts each have a new governing board member.

Yuma County School Superintendent Tom Tyree appointed Wellton Fire Department Chief Mark Rivera to the Wellton Elementary District board and Tacna Post Office officer-in-charge Guadalupe Mayorquin to a Hyder Elementary District vacancy.

After living in the Wellton area all of his life, Rivera said he believes his knowledge and history of the area will be a benefit to the board.

“I know everyone and their capabilities. They're not just a student to me, they're someone I know and their parents are not just parents, they're somebody that I know.”

Rivera volunteers at Wellton Elementary School along with other firefighters at the station to help coach students in sports like football, basketball, soccer and softball.

“Our fire department is a big supporter of the school and we give back in that way. We don't have after-school programs, we don't have places for the kids to go so if we keep them busy, at least they're there with us and not running around on the streets.”

With the support of the existing school board, Rivera said, he is looking to make improvements where needed.

Mayorquin, a longtime resident of the Dateland area, said she had considered applying to become a school board member for some time now but always pushed it off and said she would try for it “one of these days.” When the recent position opened up, she decided to go for it.

She said although she has a lot of learning to do as she transitions onto the board, she is up for the challenge.