Photography by Hope Harris

ChristinaAragonShe’s had a 25-yearcareer dedicated to ‘doing what’s right for kids’

L

in focus

ike many dedicated educators, Christina

Aragon discovered her calling at a young

age, but it’s a safe bet that unlike her

colleagues, she found her passion in an unusual

place – the water.

“I love the water now, but I was afraid of the water

as a kid,” Aragon says. “Eventually, I overcame my

fear, became a lifeguard and taught swim lessons.

I loved teaching [those lessons]. That was one of

the joys of my life.”

Aragon, who for the past 13 years has served as

the assistant superintendent of business services

for Arcadia Unified School District, had a patient

swim instructor who taught her to overcome her

fear through trust, which is something she’s never

lost track of during her 25-year business career.

“Most swim teachers will tell a student, ‘swim

to me,’ and then back up,” Aragon says. “This

particular instructor never moved. I trusted that.

When I became a teacher, I didn’t move either.

I understood.”

The passion she discovered in the pool fueled

her professional life. She never forgot those

lessons, but it took her a bit of time before she

could apply them in education. Aragon originally

wanted to become a teacher, but the education

field in the mid-1980s, with teacher layoffs and

sweeping budget cuts, proved too daunting.

Aragon switched her major to accounting and

started her career in business.

With a talent for finance, Aragon held posts at

a CPA firm and a transportation joint powers

authority before taking on a leadership role at

Arcadia Unified. “I’ve always felt a passion for

education and kids,” she says. “I come to this

current position from a business background,

and it gives me a chance to combine my talents,

desire and passion.”

The “perfect fit” she found at Arcadia Unified

is due to supportive colleagues and staff, a team

mentality and outstanding relationships with her

superintendent, board and community.

Arcadia’s school children aren’t the only benefi-

ciaries of Aragon’s commitment and drive. She has

been a member of CASBO since 1989 and has

held a variety of volunteer positions. Currently, she

is treasurer of the Southern Section, is a member

of CASBO’s board of directors and serves on the

Continuing Education and Certification (CECC)

and Professional Standards and Leadership (PSL)

committees. She is also past-president of the CECC.

“CASBO has provided me with professional skills

and tools along with an unparalleled network of

professionals from whom I can learn,” Aragon says.

“CASBO is very supportive, and I value the rela-

tionships I’ve established with members and staff.”

From a fear of water to being a surfer, Aragon has

come a long way, but she has much more to do.

“I want to grow leaders [through CASBO],” Aragon

says. “I want to share my passion and knowledge.

I want others to have these opportunities, and I

want to continue doing what’s right for kids.”