Meet the Board
The Manteca Unified School District has a seven-member board elected by the public to govern the school district.
Phone: 209-823-2733
Email: mfreitas@musd.net
Marie Freitas | Board President
Area 4 Trustee | Term expires in 11/2026
"Parents & guardians need a voice in their child's education."
Marie is a lifelong Manteca resident who attended both Nile Garden and Manteca High. She has a Master’s degree in Crosscultural Education and taught in MUSD for 25 years. She currently does the bookkeeping for her family's farm.
After retiring from teaching, Marie knew there was more she could do to help students reach their potential. She ran for school board to keep active in supporting our students.
"Being on the board allows me to have an active role in considering the needs of students and creating a vision, policies, & goals that support student achievement."
Phone: 209-858-0729
Email: mgreene@musd.net
MELANIE gREENE | Board Vice President
Area 3 Trustee | Term expires in 11/2024
"I believe that each child deserves an education that inspires them to realize their limitless potential."
Melanie attended Brock Elliott Elementary and graduated from Sierra High School in 2003. She was a teacher and principal in Oakland, and later worked as a policy maker at the CA Department of Education. She currently works for the San Joaquin County Office of Education.
Melanie feels that her varied experiences have helped her understand the dedication of families to their children, the importance of educational policy, and how each person within a school community helps support students.
"When given resources and support, each student can meet their goals!"
Phone: 209-858-0729
Email: sschluer@musd.net
Stephen J. Schluer| Board Clerk
Area 6 Trustee| Term expires in 11/2026
"I believe that we need to advocate for and protect those who cannot do for themselves."
Stephen has lived in Manteca for 49 years and graduated from Shasta Elementary. He has a Bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics. Stephen is a captain in the Manteca Police Department and has focused the majority of his career on serving youth.
Stephen's belief is "Safer schools...safer kids." He is passionate about advocating for children and doing what is best for our students.
"At the end of the day, I need to look back on my decisions and ask a simple question: Is what we are doing best for kids?"
Phone: 209-247-0509
Email: cpopegotschall@musd.net
Cathy Pope-Gotschall | Board Trustee
Area 5 Trustee | Term expires in 11/2026
"I am passionate about literacy, equity, and education."
Cathy taught English for seven years and is currently a teacher librarian in the Tracy Unified School District as well as a writing consultant with the Great Valley Writing Project.
She believes all students deserve access to a school library with a robust, current book collection that is curated by a credentialed teacher librarian who will teach students to access information in a safe and meaningful way.
"As a trustee, I have learned that being part of any solution is vitally important & much more important than fueling the problem."
Phone: 209-271-8778
Email: eduncan@musd.net
Eric Duncan Sr. | Board Trustee
Area 1 Trustee | Term Expires Term expires in 11/2024
“I am passionate about doing what’s best for kids each and every day.”
Eric has lived in Weston Ranch for the past 15 years. He has worked as a paraeducator, mentor, and coach for over 20 years. He also serves on the City of Stockton Parks & Rec Commission, is the president of a youth sports association, and a delegate of the Equity Network of the California School Boards Association.
Eric feels that his two plus decades in education have prepared him to be an effective board member.
"I was moved to pursue a position on MUSD's board to ensure that kids in my community are given equitable access to a quality education."
Phone: 209-825-4738
Email: khowe@musd.net
Kathy Howe| Board Trustee
Area 2 Trustee | Term expires in 11/2026
"Every student deserves to reach their full potential."
Kathy grew up in Manteca. She graduated from Manteca High School in 1972 after attending Yosemite, Sequoia, and Lincoln Elementary schools. She has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and taught in MUSD for 35 years.
Kathy is passionate about education. She does volunteer tutoring and is also active with Lathrop Sunrise Rotary and Women of Woodbridge.
"Educational decisions must be made with a focus on equity."
Phone: 209-858-0729
Email: mguerrero@musd.net
Marisella C. Guerrero | Board Trustee
Area 7 Trustee | Term expires in 11/2024
"Our students & teachers need to feel safe and be healthy, physically and mentally, to succeed."
Marisella is a lifelong Manteca resident. She attended French Camp Elementary and East Union High School. She now works as a pharmacist as well as a professor at UOP. She is the chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee at the UOP School of Pharmacy and is also involved with Lathrop Rotary.
Marisella has a unique perspective on the link between education and healthcare. She is also passionate about education and equity.
“I felt an obligation to provide a voice and representation to those who were not being heard.”