Escalon High alum Travis Cardoza is now serving on the Escalon Unified School District Board of Trustees. He was selected to fill the unexpired term of the late John Lagent, who passed away in late July, having served more than 44 years on the board. The EUSD chose to fill the remaining portion of Mr. Largent’s term via appointment and sought applicants for the position. Cardoza was ultimately selected and was administered the oath of office in mid-October, settling in now with a few board meetings under his belt. The Times reached out for a ‘Q and A’ session with Cardoza regarding his new position.
Q: Give me a little of your background - did you go through all your school years in Escalon and what year did you graduate?
A: I went to Dent for Kindergarten and first grade. We moved to the country and I spent the rest of my elementary career at Van Allen from second to fifth grade. From there I went to El Portal Middle School where I was involved in Band and Basketball. After graduating eighth grade I attended Escalon High in 2006 and graduated in 2010. I was a three-sport scholar athlete playing Football, Basketball, and Baseball. I was involved in P.I.T., student government, Sacred Heart club, and was the recipient of the Wendall Eliason Award.
Q: Did you then attend college and, if so, where and what did you study/what is your degree?
A: I attended MJC (2010-2013)and obtained an Associates Degree in Agricultural Business and an Associates Degree in Mechanized Agriculture.
Q: What line of work did you go into?
A: I started my career in 2013 working in the agricultural irrigation field for Pacific Southwest Irrigation, 2013 - 2015. From there I started an almost nine-year career at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where I worked in Facilities Operations and Maintenance, 2015 - 2024. In 2024 I changed careers to be closer to home, I now work for insureCAL Insurance Agency as an operations manager and insurance agent where I specialize in Agricultural and Commercial Business Insurance, 2024 – Current.
Q: Why did you decide to fill the unexpired term on the school board?
A: I wanted to get involved and give back to this great community. I felt it was time for people from my generation to step up and start to make a difference. I was very close with John Largent and I have a great amount of respect for him, his family and his legacy, I felt that it would be a great opportunity to honor him and finish out his term. I love Escalon and want to raise my family here while protecting the values that this community has upheld for many years.
Q: What areas do you feel need the most attention within the district?
A: Safety, Infrastructure/Maintenance, Education.
Q: How has it been settling in to the board position?
A: I have had a great experience thus far and this community has accepted me with open arms. I am beyond grateful for the encouragement, love, and support I have received.
Q: Who would you say were some of your mentors growing up and how did they help prepare you for what you are doing now?
A: My parents Jeff and Angela Cardoza for shaping me with my faith, moral compass, work ethic, and integrity. I owe everything to them.
My family members for always supporting me in all my endeavors.
Several educators, faculty, and coaches from Escalon Unified helped set the foundation of my education and shaped me by instilling determination, work ethic and a willingness to do the right thing.
Q: Since this is an unexpired position, are you thinking of a run for the full term when it becomes available?
A: As of now I fully intend to run for the position once it's up for reelection.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: It is not only an honor but a privilege to serve this great community. I bleed purple and gold and I will always do my best to make Escalon Unified a great school district. I look forward to the future of the schools within EUSD and the future of this community.
