Board - Madera Unified School District

About Us

The Madera Unified School District (MUSD) Board of Education consists of seven members, each representing a specific geographic area within the district. Board members are elected to four-year terms, with no term limits.

The Board is responsible for setting policies, approving the district's budget, authorizing the expenditure of allocated funds, and approving employee salaries and benefits. Additionally, the Board establishes policies that define educational standards and goals, and approves the curriculum. They also act on recommendations made by the superintendent, who is chosen by the Board to carry out its plans and policies.

Board Members in Alphabetical Order by Last Name

Nadeem Ahmad

Trustee Nadeem Ahmad was appointed to the Madera Unified Board of Trustees in 2015.

A longtime Madera resident, Trustee Ahmad is a graduate of California State University, Fresno and a local business owner. He has also been an active member of the Madera Chamber of Commerce since 2015.

Trustee Ahmad is married and has children.

Area 7

Term Expires: 2026

Trustee: Nadeem Ahmad

Israel Cortes

Trustee Cortes was elected to the Madera Unified Board of Trustees in 2020.

Raised in Madera, Trustee Cortes attended Madera Unified schools, including Madera High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fresno.

Trustee Cortes is a local business owner and operates an insurance brokerage agency in Madera. He and his family have strong ties to Madera Unified and the community.

Trustee Cortes is committed to serving the students and families of Madera Unified and supporting opportunities that help students succeed in school and beyond.

Area 6

Term Expires: 2028

Trustee: Israel Cortes

Gladys A. Diebert

Trustee Diebert was elected to the Madera Unified Board of Trustees in 2022.

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Trustee Diebert moved to the United States at the age of 21 and has called Madera home since 1989. She attended high school and college in Peru before beginning a 32-year career with Madera Unified, where she advanced from Teacher’s Aide to Senior Executive Assistant.

During her career with the District, Trustee Diebert worked closely with the Governing Board and Superintendent and played an instrumental role in establishing Madera Unified’s Student Board Member program. She helped support and mentor the District’s first Student Board Members as they developed their leadership skills and represented the voices of their peers.

Trustee Diebert believes strongly in helping young people become successful leaders and engaged members of their communities. She enjoys traveling, reading, and remaining involved in efforts that contribute to the betterment of the Madera community.

Area 2

Term Expires: 2026

Trustee: Gladys A. Diebert

Joetta Fleak

Trustee Fleak was elected to the Madera Unified Board of Trustees in 2018.

A retired credentialed teacher with Madera Unified, Trustee Fleak brings firsthand knowledge of school operations and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges experienced by students and educators in the classroom.

A longtime member of the Madera community, Trustee Fleak serves on the Madera County Historical Society Board and as Treasurer for the North Fork Mono Tribe. Her family also has strong ties to Madera Unified, with generations of family members having attended Madera High School.

Trustee Fleak remains actively involved in school, District, and community events. She is committed to supporting positive educational experiences that provide Madera Unified students with opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for successful futures.

Area 4

Term Expires: 2026

Board President: Joetta Fleak

Ruben Mendoza

Trustee Mendoza was elected to the Madera Unified Board of Trustees in 2016.

Born in El Paso, Texas, Trustee Mendoza later moved with his family to Los Angeles, where he graduated from high school. He earned an Associate in Science degree from Rio Hondo College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Science degree from Chapman University. He was the first in his family to earn advanced degrees.

Trustee Mendoza began his career in law enforcement after graduating from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy. His career eventually brought him to Madera County, where he served with the Chowchilla Police Department and participated on numerous committees throughout the county. He retired from law enforcement as a police sergeant after a career that included service as a detective sergeant and later continued his public service as an investigator with Merced County.

Trustee Mendoza is the father of two daughters, both of whom are graduates of Madera High School. His commitment to public service and education continues through his work on behalf of Madera Unified students, families, and the community.

Area 3

Term Expires: 2028

Board Clerk: Ruben Mendoza

Lucy Salazar

Trustee Salazar was elected to the Madera Unified Board of Trustees in 2019.

Trustee Salazar is a local businesswoman and Realtor with strong ties to the Madera community. She raised four children who are all graduates of Madera Unified, and her grandchildren have continued the family’s connection to District schools.

Trustee Salazar remains actively engaged in the community and regularly participates in advisory committees, community meetings, and school and District events to stay connected to the needs and perspectives of students, families, and community members.

She is also a member of Latinas Unidas of Madera, a nonprofit organization that supports the community through scholarships, cultural activities, and community events.

Trustee Salazar is committed to being a voice for the community and supporting opportunities that help all Madera Unified students learn, grow, and succeed.

Area 5

Term Expires: 2026

Trustee: Lucy Salazar

Ray G. Seibert

Trustee Seibert was elected to the Madera Unified Board of Trustees in 1989.

A lifelong Madera resident, Trustee Seibert attended Ripperdan School and graduated from Madera High School before continuing his education at Reedley College and California State University, Fresno. He is a local almond farmer and business owner with interests in commercial real estate and hospitality.

Throughout his years of service on the Board, Trustee Seibert has held several leadership roles, including serving multiple times as Board President. He is also a former FFA chapter officer and State Farmer.

Area 1

Term Expires: 2026

Trustee: Ray G. Seibert

Public Hearings regarding the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), Budget Overview for Parents and the Proposed Budget for the Madera Unified School District will be held before the governing board of the district at Madera Unified School District Board Room, 1902 Howard Road, Madera CA 93637 on June 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The proposed budget will be available for inspection at the district office, 1902 Howard Road, Madera CA 93637 on June 4, 2026. Any member of the public may appear and be heard concerning the Local Control Accountability Plan and any resident of the district may object to the proposed budget or any item in the budget.

Notice of Public Hearing

Board Members

About Us

Nadeem Ahmad

Israel Cortes

Gladys A. Diebert

Joetta Fleak

Ruben Mendoza

Lucy Salazar

Ray G. Seibert

Our Schools.

Preschool

Elementary

Alternative Education

Middle Schools

High Schools