Meet The Trustees
Lillian Durbin
President
Area 4
End of Term: December 2026
Lillian Durbin serves as President of the Porterville Unified School District Board of Trustees with a deeply personal connection to the power of education. As a former foster youth, school provided stability, support, and opportunity when little else did—an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to students. After more than 45 years in education, from instructional aide to principal, serving on the Board continues her dedication to opening doors for future generations.
Lillian views her role as both paying back and paying forward the opportunities education provided her. She is inspired by the remarkable thinking of PUSD students and by the dedication of educators, staff, administrators, and fellow Board members who work together to create meaningful learning experiences every day.
Representing her trustee area and the broader community is an honor she takes seriously, grounded in a shared goal with families: helping students grow into successful, engaged members of our Porterville community.
Tom Velasquez
Vice President
Area 2
End of Term: December 2028
Tom Velasquez serves on the Porterville Unified School District Board with a strong sense of responsibility and a clear focus on student success. Inspired by a mentor to step into leadership, he views his role as an honor and approaches every decision with students as his top priority.
When visiting PUSD schools, Tom is especially inspired by the teamwork and dedication of administrators, teachers, maintenance staff, and student nutrition teams who work together to create safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environments. Having been raised in the community he now represents, he brings an authentic understanding of local challenges and advocates thoughtfully for the needs of students and families.
Pete Lara, Jr.
Clerk
Area 3
End of Term: December 2026
Pete Lara, Jr. brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to the Porterville Unified School District Board, shaped by his deep history of service in southeastern Tulare County. His journey to the PUSD Board reflects a commitment to doing what is best for students—even when it required difficult, selfless decisions made for the greater good of the community.
As a trustee, Pete is proud to support innovative, hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction to real-world experiences. He values collaboration with educators and school leaders and believes in balancing the unique needs of local communities with the broader responsibility of serving all students across the district.
Donna Berry
Trustee
Area 6
End of Term: December 2028
Donna Berry serves on the Porterville Unified School District Board with a strong commitment to giving back and helping prepare students to become thoughtful, capable leaders. Her approach to governance centers on advocating for students, supporting educators, and ensuring district policies reflect the values and needs of the community.
When visiting PUSD schools, Donna is inspired by moments when students discover their strengths and grow in confidence—progress made possible through the dedication of educators and staff who create supportive, student-centered learning environments. By staying closely connected to her trustee area, she brings a real-world perspective to Board decisions while balancing fiscal responsibility with long-term student success.
Felipe A. Martinez
Trustee
Area 5
End of Term: December 2026
Felipe A. Martinez serves on the Porterville Unified School District Board with a deep commitment to student advocacy and community accountability. Long before joining the Board, he was a trusted resource for students and families—making service as a trustee a natural extension of his dedication to doing what is best for students.
Known for his accessibility and open-door approach, Felipe believes in listening carefully, communicating clearly, and being accountable to the community he serves. As a lifelong member of the Porterville community, he is motivated by the mentors who shaped his own journey and is committed to passing those lessons on to the next generation.
Inspired by the determination and potential of PUSD students, Felipe is proud to work alongside families and staff to ensure every student is supported, prepared, and ready for the path ahead.
Pedro Martinez
Trustee
Area 1
End of Term: December 2028
Pedro Martinez serves on the Porterville Unified School District Board with humility, integrity, and a strong commitment to students. Inspired by the power of education to change lives, he is dedicated to ensuring every student has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed—regardless of background.
A proud advocate for his rural community, Pedro believes in listening, being accessible, and keeping students at the center of every decision. He is equally committed to supporting our teachers and staff, recognizing the vital role they play in shaping student success.
Rudy Ruiz
Trustee
Area 7
End of Term: December 2026
Rudy Ruiz serves on the Porterville Unified School District Board with a clear purpose: helping ensure every student has access to meaningful opportunities and a strong education. His desire to make a difference is rooted in a belief that students should be encouraged to aim high and know that their potential has no limits.
As a trustee, Rudy values teamwork and the Board's shared responsibility for supporting students and strengthening the communities they serve. He is continually inspired by PUSD students—their willingness to volunteer, their drive to go above and beyond, and their determination to succeed even in the face of challenges.