2022 MOY Beatrice McCutchen's path to the Merced County BOE

by David Ngô

Beatrice McCutchen's rise from CSEA chapter president to governing trustee is perhaps best personified by her widely known motto, “always stand on the side of right."

The 2022 CSEA Member of the Year from Merced Union High Chapter 252 will represent Area 5 on the board of the Merced City Elementary School District (MCESD) after winning 60 percent of the vote last November.

“I’ve been chapter president for four years, but I wanted something different,” said McCutchen, who works as a health technician for Merced Union High in the Central Valley. “I’ve used my platform to speak for our students and staff but felt like there was always more that could be done.”

While she ran as a “parent/educator” during her school board race, those close to McCutchen know she is much more than her ballot title.

“Her love for our students is what keeps her going, ensuring we put them first,” said Cynthia M. Garcia, an active retiree who serves as Chapter 252's treasurer.

Affectionately known as “Ms. Bea” or “Bea” among students and peers, McCutchen’s path to the MCESD board began with a commitment to her students in Merced.

For 17 years, she has worked in health services for MCESD. In recent years, McCutchen played a key role in her school’s response to the pandemic, from overseeing COVID testing to staffing vaccine clinics on the weekend.

“I was a health aide but with all the things that have come about with COVID, we've evolved to be technicians,” said McCutchen. “Now we do a little bit of everything. Testing for COVID, contact tracing, we test the teachers, we test the students, but now we also deal a lot with mental health.”

Throughout her career, McCutchen has developed a personal connection with students, especially for those dealing with socio-economic challenges. McCutchen was born in El Centro but was raised in the south side of Merced, growing up in the same school system she now serves as a trustee.

“I want to be a voice for all students and bridge that gap between K-8 and high school. As a union member, I've learned that you have a voice,” said McCutchen. “And as a trustee, I'll be working for the community and the students. I'm going to use my voice the right way.”

McCutchen’s arrival to the MCESD board is a step in the right direction. CSEA members work side-by-side with teachers and students, bringing a much-needed perspective on what a school community actually needs and how to address them.

“As union members, we're on the ground floor. We are the ones who actually work hands-on with these students, so we have the most input on what these students are learning every day,” McCutchen explained.

“One of the biggest things I want to address is literacy. And I’m talking about for all students because the numbers are low and with COVID they’re even lower. I want to know what we’re going to do to turn things around. I want to hear what we’re going to do to change things for these kids.”

McCutchen’s journey to the governing board began in 2005 when McCutchen began her union activism by becoming her chapter’s sergeant-at-arms. Throughout her time with CSEA, McCutchen completed site rep training, steward training, officer training, and negotiations workshops, cementing herself as a passionate advocate for classified workers.

By 2019, with a trove of union training and organizing under her belt, McCutchen assumed the role of chapter president and fully embraced her role as a CSEA leader.

McCutchen notably led a district protest in 2021 to address worker shortage concerns and lack of PPE in Merced, which drew the attention of her fellow union sisters and brothers.

“Bea has been such an exceptional leader and mentor,” said Andrea Vasquez of Merced Union High Chapter 252, who works as a health officer and also serves as union steward. “She has stood up for classified workers again and again, representing us in board meetings, negotiations, and meetings with the district.”

At the 96th Annual Conference in Las Vegas, McCutchen was honored as one of five 2022 Members of the Year for her contributions to her union, her school, and her community.

The annual award recognizes outstanding members for their commitment and dedication to the students of California, community involvement, and activism in CSEA.

“I want to thank everyone that supported and believed in me to get me where I am now, "said McCutchen. “I'm not going to let you down. I'm going to use my voice to do what I need to do for our students and the community.”