Governing Board – West-MEC — Western Maricopa Education Center

West-MEC is governed by a seven-member board. These board members are elected from the geographic area in which they reside. West-MEC is a districted system, meaning that the seven elected members represent a specific land and populace area. The districts were approved by the United States Department of Justice and receive the same scrutiny as all electorate districted systems.

The West-MEC Governing Board is a policy setting board following the same rules and regulations as all public school district governing boards in Arizona.

Members of the public are welcome to attend each meeting of the Governing Board. By law, the board members may only address items on the agenda. Individuals are welcome to address the governing board by completing a Call to the Public form before the meeting has begun.

Board meeting agendas are posted on our website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, at the West-MEC District Office, at all West-MEC campuses, as well as sent to all twelve member school districts.

West-MEC Governing Board meetings occur on the second Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m.

West-MEC Governing Board Member Charlie Ellis image

JAMES KALTENBACH

Vice Chairman, District 2 | present – 2022

James.kaltenbach@west-mec.org

Elected to West-MEC Board 2004, I was first sworn in January 2005. I am now serving in my 15^th year of service on the Governing Board.

Having grown up in Laramie, WY, I arrived in AZ in June 2001, and now reside in Peoria where I’ve lived since June 2002.

Since 2002 I have been a Career & Technical Education Agriscience Teacher and FFA Advisor at Peoria High School. As an Agriscience Teacher, I am proud to have an opportunity to work with amazing young people at a great school.

Career & Technical Education is vital to the education of our youth and the economy of Arizona. Through Career & Technical Student Organizations like FFA and SkillsUSA students develop leadership, work ethic, and career soft-skills that help them into careers, on into college, and all throughout their lives. Through Work-Based Learning opportunities, students make connections to future employers, find their passions, and cement the skills they learn in the classroom. Having quality, certified instructors who are masters of their craft and concerned about their students’ futures gives students the fuel to work hard; harder than they thought they could. This is the magic of CTE and I am delighted to be a part of that mission.

When I was first asked to be a part of West-MEC I was excited about the opportunity to help direct the efforts to bring CTE to students across the West Valley. I am proud of what West-MEC has accomplished so far. I am even more excited about what the future holds for the over 40,000 high school students across the 4,000+ square miles that is West-MEC.

West-MEC Governing Board Member Peter Pingerelli image

DR. PETER PINGERELLI

District 3 | present – 2020

Peter.pingerelli@west-mec.org

Dr. Pingerelli has lived in Arizona for 16 years. He and his wife, Beverly, have two children. During leisure time, Peter enjoys reading, writing, and watching movies.

Dr. Pingerelli holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and received his Ph.D. from the Division of Regulatory Biology and Biophysics at Wayne State University. His work experience includes 25-years in the biotechnology industry directing commercial research & development, product management, and marketing. Peter is an energetic educator and holds instructional adjunct faculty positions at Grand Canyon University. He also has a specialized secondary STEM certificate through the Arizona Department of Education. His publications include commercial and academic works in the fields of neuroscience and biotechnology and, recently, essays reflecting upon education, culture, and disability.

“Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide students with a diverse and alternative set of career pathways besides those offered by traditional four-year college degree programs. A CTE educational experience delivers — to each student — the applicable educational skills, leadership development opportunities, and genuine workplace expectations. The importance of CTE is further highlighted in that its programs incorporate industry-recognized credentials and, in many cases, preparation for state licensures. I believe CTE is an essential component of public education to prepare a future workforce and ensure continued prosperity for our country. Additionally, CTE benefits all students, both college- and industry-bound, by providing them with a career exploration experience while cultivating skills towards a family-sustaining job to achieve economic independence.”

“Growing up, we’ve likely encountered a teacher that helped us maintain focus, perseverance, and commitment to a goal. Serving our community and public school systems is a privilege and an opportunity to thank all the dedicated teachers and school administrators that supported my career aspirations. I’m passionate when it comes to education and improving our community and honored to contribute my skills and experiences to Maricopa County families through service as a West-MEC governing board member.”

West-MEC Governing Board Member Barbara Wyllie image

West-MEC Governing Board Member Richard Oros image

JIM MIGLIORINO

District 6 | present – 2020

jamesmigliorino@gmail.com

Mr. Migliorino has 56 years of background experience in education, spanning Washington State, Ohio, and Arizona. During this time, Migliorino has served in the following roles: Teacher, Business Manager, and Assistant Superintendent for Business Services.

Additionally, Mr. Migliorino has served for 10 years as the Executive Director of Mohave Education Services Purchasing Co-Op as well as 25 years of membership in Arizona School Business Officials Association/ Board of Directors.

Jim Migiliorino has served on the West-MEC Governing Board for 5 years.