Recently elected in November 2022, Francis De Leon Sanchez brings a wealth of qualifications and a deep passion for community service to her role as a representative for the residents of Bell Gardens. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Francis has been recognition for her outstanding contributions and stellar work, earning accolades such as Administrator of the Year for Hacienda La Puente Unified and consideration as a state finalist for the ACSA XV region in 2021.

Before stepping into education administration, Francis devoted a decade to teaching within Montebello Unified School District (MUSD), where she held various roles at Applied Technology Center High School and Schurr High School, including Activities Director, English Teacher, ACE Pathway Lead, and other leadership positions. Education is not just a career for Francis, but a lifelong passion inherited from a family of educators, including her mother, siblings, and cousins.
Francis' educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Education and a Teaching Credential in English from California State University, Long Beach. She pursued further academic excellence, obtaining a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and completing the Administrative Leadership Program for her Administrative Credential. Currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Francis remains committed to advancing her expertise in the field.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Francis is deeply committed to community service. Serving as the Commissioner of Education, she actively participated in city events, gaining valuable insights into the needs of the community. Francis's community engagement extends back to her youth, involving service to the St. Gertrude Church community, mentoring students in the Collegebound program within MUSD, and working with youth in Montebello Unified School District and After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles.

With a lifetime dedicated to public service, Francis is not only a qualified professional but a devoted member of the Bell Gardens community, having called it home for her entire life, with her family residing in the city for about 50 years. Her commitment to families and the community is evident, as she, her husband, parents, and siblings all live within Bell Gardens. Francis takes pride in her role as a public servant, advocating for students, families, and the community with grace and humility. She is honored and humbled to represent her hometown and is determined to contribute to the continued improvement of Bell Gardens.

Contact Information: 

Office Phone: (562) 806-7755

Email: fdsanchez@bellgardens.org