Sentinel Staff Report–
As part of The Sentinel’s 2026 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of identical questions to each of the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education candidates for Trustee Area 7. The questions are designed to give each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate.
Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Q&A with Trustee Area 7 candidate Murad “Moe” Sarama:
Tell us a little bit about who you are. How long have you lived in Citrus Heights? What is your career? Do you have or did you have students in the district?
My name is Murad “Moe” Sarama. I’ve proudly called Citrus Heights home for more than 25 years, where my wife and I have raised our five children. Three of my daughters attended San Juan schools, my son is currently enrolled, and our youngest will soon follow. One daughter is now a first-grade teacher, continuing our family’s connection to public education. I’m a businessman and operations professional with extensive leadership and project management experience. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State and a Master’s in Public Administration, and I remain actively involved in our community.
Why are you running for the San Juan Unified Board of Education, and what are your qualifications?
I’m running because every child deserves a quality education, including students with disabilities whose families often struggle to be heard. I’ve advocated for special education concerns even without holding elected office. My qualifications include over 20 years of operational leadership, budgeting, and project management, a Master’s in Public Administration, and prior service on San Juan Unified’s Facilities Committee. As a parent, I understand the importance of accessible leadership. I believe trustees should regularly visit schools, listen to teachers and families, and address concerns rather than waiting for problems to become crises.
What was your vote in the 2024 General Election on San Juan Unified School District’s $950 million facilities bond measure, and why?
I voted YES on Measure P because our aging schools need repairs, modernization, and improved safety. However, supporting school improvements does not mean giving the district a blank check. A $950 million investment demands strict oversight and accountability. As a former Facilities Committee member, I understand the importance of prioritizing genuine needs. I would strengthen public reporting, ensure existing independent audits and citizens’ oversight requirements are enforced, and advocate for transparent project timelines and competitive bidding. Taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their money is spent and which improvements their neighborhood schools receive.
What are your top 2–3 priorities for improving education in Citrus Heights and surrounding areas, and how do you propose to fund them?
My priorities are special education, academic achievement, and addressing declining enrollment. Students with disabilities deserve timely assessments, appropriate services, and meaningful parental involvement. We must strengthen reading and math instruction while investigating why San Juan Unified recently lost approximately 1,200 students, far exceeding projections. Enrollment declines affect funding, staffing, and programs. I would prioritize classroom resources, review administrative spending, improve enrollment forecasting, and pursue available grants. Families deserve transparent budgets and measurable results. We must understand why enrollment is declining, protect essential services, and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
How would you foster partnerships with Citrus Heights schools within your Trustee Area?
Citrus Heights families deserve meaningful representation, not just election-season attention. I would regularly visit schools, meet with parents and educators, and establish ongoing communication with city leaders. Before major decisions affecting neighborhood schools or community use of facilities, trustees should actively seek public input. I support partnerships with local businesses and organizations to expand tutoring, mentorship, and after-school opportunities. Families of students receiving special education services must also have a voice. Our schools belong to the community, and decisions should reflect the needs of students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.
Vandalism and physical safety are concerns at local schools. What would you do to maintain and improve student safety?
Every student and employee deserves a safe, respectful learning environment. I would prioritize campus safety assessments, functioning cameras, improved lighting, secure access, and timely repairs. We need stronger coordination with law enforcement, clear emergency procedures, and appropriate accountability for misconduct. Safety also requires responsible leadership. Trustees must uphold professional conduct standards and respond transparently when concerns arise. I would regularly visit campuses, listen to teachers and families, and ensure safety concerns receive timely attention. Protecting students and staff should never depend on politics or personal relationships.
Do you agree with the rollout of the MagicStudent AI platform for students in grades 2–12? Why or why not?
I support the responsible use of AI in our schools, including MagicStudent, with appropriate safeguards. Students need to understand emerging technology, but AI should enhance education, not replace teachers, critical thinking, or fundamental reading, writing, and math skills. Parents deserve transparency about what students can access and how their information is protected, and teachers need proper training and oversight. With declining enrollment and financial pressures, technology investments must also demonstrate educational value and responsible spending. Innovation is important, but our focus must remain on measurable student achievement and preparing students for their future.
Sarama is endorsed by the San Juan Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, Sacramento Central Labor Council, current San Juan Unified School District Trustee Zima Creason, Citrus Heights resident Bill Van Duker, and Sacramento County Board of Education Trustee for Area 7, Harold Fong.
To find out more about Sarama, visit his campaign website.
