GOVERNANCE BOARD
The Governance Board of Raíces is comprised of the community at large, with individuals who bring professional expertise that the founders have identified as referenced in the Charter—fiduciary, budget, academic, bilingual, culturally diverse, Mesoamerican history, and cultural knowledge. One of the board members is a parent. The qualifications and skills of the Board demonstrate that they have the capacity, knowledge, and experience to operate a successful, high-quality public charter school.
Professional expertise and talents of board members include individuals who identify with the mission through experience in business and finance, the legal system, academic leadership or management; academic background in teaching, instruction, and curriculum development; cultural knowledge and awareness as a producing artist; community leader and parent; and an understanding of Mesoamerican history and the relevant aspects of living in a bi-literate, bicultural border community and environment such as Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, near the US-Mexico border.
Board Chair: Mr. Rodriguez currently serves as the appointed Doña Ana County Chief Deputy Treasurer, having previously served as the elected County Treasurer for eight years. Prior job experiences include over 10 years of banking experience. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from New Mexico State University and an MBA candidate at New Mexico Highlands University. Rodriguez has served on various committees and boards in different capacities, including chairman of the Doña Ana County Investment Advisory Committee. Previously, a member of the NM County’s Board of Directors, Vice Chairman for the NM Treasurer’s Affiliate, and the New Mexico Counties (NMC) Tax Policy Committee. Currently, he serves as the chair of the NM Treasurer's Affiliate Legislative Committee. In January 2023, he was appointed to the State Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Council, which oversees the state’s $18 billion investment portfolio. Related accomplishments include NM Certified Public Official, NM Certified Treasury Officer, New Mexico Leadership Academy, and the City of Las Cruces Leadership Academy.
Rodriguez is a parent of two Raices del Saber students and a member of the Concilio de Padres, where he served as Chairman for two years. During his term, the Concilio ratified bylaws allowing future Councils to organize and operate. He has also served on the school’s Finance and Facilities committees.
Eric is married to Teresita Batres, and they have three children, Emma, Emilio, and Edan. He enjoys coaching and practicing soccer with his kids, working on DIY projects, and mountain biking in his free time.
Board Vice-Chair: Mr. Ismael Camacho is a New Mexico Legal Aid Staff Attorney. Areas of practice: Labor and Employment Law, Fair Labor Standards Act, Agricultural Worker Protection Act, Farmworker Health & Safety. Bar Admissions: New Mexico (1997) U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico (2004) Education: J.D., University of New Mexico School of Law (1997), B.A., New Mexico State University (1992), Paralegal study, Antioch School of Law (1978). Professional Association and Memberships: State Bar of New Mexico.Background & Practice Experience: Dr. Camacho is of Mexican descent and is fluent in Spanish. His valuable speaking, writing, and reading Spanish skills are indispensable when communicating with Spanish-speaking farmworkers. He received his B.A. from New Mexico State University in 1992 and his Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico in 1997. State Bar member since October 1997, and his practice has developed from 17 years of experience representing farmworkers and 13 years of experience with the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General. Educational knowledge about your rights is presented to high school, middle, and elementary students.
Board Treasurer: Maria Elena Garza, I am honored to be accepted to serve at Raíces del Saber as part of the Governance Board. My experience with Public Libraries allowed me to collaborate in various educational programs, inspiring me to continue helping in any capacity to enhance our children's education. I do believe in Community Schools supporting our children and their families holistically. Students must experience belonging to a school that cares about individuals and is part of a society where everyone can contribute to and enhance knowledge and education. I also hope to assist with my long-term experience and skills in the private and public sector as an Administrator Manager, having experience in designing and implementing programs that involve the overall quality of administration, developing entrepreneurial guidelines to export and import industrial products worldwide, and the ability to adapt to new concepts and direction, embracing new challenges and learning opportunities.
Board Secretary: Veronica Gallegos Villalobos, MEd, an educator by heart and by profession who specializes in Bilingual and Special Education. She is a retired Educational Diagnostician who enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking. She considers herself an activist who believes in social justice and currently lives in El Paso, TX. Born in Los Angeles, CA, and grew up in Chihuahua, Chih., MX. Moved to the Cd. Juarez/El Paso area to attend the University of Texas at El Paso, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies, an endorsement in Bilingual/ESL Education, a Master's in Bilingual Special Education, a master's in educational diagnosis, and a master's in educational leadership. After 33 years, Veronica retired and is now dedicating time to her mother, to learning Nahuatl, playing tennis, traveling, and sharing her educational experience wherever possible.
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Board Member at Large: JT Perez believes that every community has stories worth preserving and voices worth hearing. He brings a background in communications, community outreach, nonprofit collaboration, and relationship-building. He enjoys connecting people, ideas, and organizations in ways that strengthen communities rather than simply promote them. JT joined the Governance Board of Raíces del Saber because he believes education is about more than academics. It is about belonging, identity, curiosity, and helping children see themselves reflected in the world around them. He is especially drawn to Raíces del Saber’s commitment to bilingual education, cultural heritage, and community-centered learning.
Outside of board service, JT is a writer and storyteller who enjoys noticing the small moments that often go unnoticed. He believes listening is one of the most valuable forms of leadership and hopes to bring the same spirit of curiosity, humility, and collaboration to Raíces del Saber's work.
Board Member at Large: Juan Pablo Santana is a STEM education researcher and a PhD student at UTEP, specializing in curriculum design and AI integration. As a former U.S. Consulate public diplomacy specialist, he directed binational academic initiatives, scholarship programs, and cross-border cultural partnerships empowering at-risk learners.