Board Of Trustees
- Micah Ali - Board President
- Satra Zurita - Board Vice President
- Alma Taylor-Pleasant - Clerk
- Ayanna Davis, Ed.D. - Legislative Representative
- Sandra Moss - LA County Trustees Association
- Michael Hooper - Member
- Denzell Perry- Member
Micah Ali - Board President
Term Expires: 3/2024
Trustees Area: C
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Born and reared in Compton, California, Micah Ali brings a keen grasp of the complex issues facing urban schools to help champion students, working families and urban communities. A member of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees, Ali recently completed two consecutive terms as the Board’s President, as well as being re-elected as Board's President on April 16, 2024, making him the longest serving President in the history of the Compton Unified School District, where he helped lead a dramatic turnaround of the district’s educational outcomes as well as help pull it from the brink of state takeover (or state receivership).
Ali is returning as CUBE Chair. Appointed in December of 2021, Ali’s long record of public service and community engagement includes serving as the Chair of the Council of Urban Boards of Education in 2017. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in expanding CUBE’s engagement of urban school districts as well as championed (or authored) NSBA’s equity platform. Also while serving as CUBE Chair, he authored several articles on equity in education, covering issues such as fostering welcoming environments for LGBTQA+ student community, special education, and early education.
Ali is also Founder and Conference Chairman of the California Association of Black School Educators, which brings together education leaders and advocates advancing innovation and best practices around closing the opportunity gap for Black students. Most recently, under his leadership, CABSE released a Blueprint for Education Equity—a living document of best and promising practices from across the state to address the opportunity gap for Black students. The Blueprint and CABSE have received support from a host of sponsors and funders, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Ali is also a member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials. He also previously served as a Board Member for both the National School Boards Association and the California School Boards Association.
Throughout his years of service, Ali has been at the forefront of efforts to advance education equity for all students. He works with school districts and education leaders across the United States with a particular focus on helping school boards operationalize equity and high student expectations in order to secure real and measurable improvements in student achievement, student opportunity, fiscal administration, and board governance. Ali has also helped lead legislative efforts in California to broaden access to Early Care and Education for low-income children, establish school-based health centers to make health care more readily available to children in local communities, and expand opportunities for academic excellence in public schools. Ali brings robust experience in achieving organizational transformation, education board effectiveness, land use and development, and ground-breaking partnerships which have significantly marked improvements in student achievement and student opportunity.
Ali recently completed 4-year term on the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board and was recently selected as Chair-Elect of the National Black Council of School Board Members. He is a proud graduate of Loyola Marymount University, where he earned a Master of Arts in Education.
If you have ideas that can help Ali in his efforts to improve our schools, please E-mail him at mali@compton.k12.ca.us.
Satra Zurita - Board Vice President
Term Expires: 6/2026
Trustees Area: G
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Satra D. Zurita is currently the Vice President of the Board of Trustees. She is the longest-serving Trustee, serving nearly two decades on the Board.
Zurita is a native of Compton who was educated in Compton schools. She is a product of the Compton Unified School District, and is an alumnus of Compton High School.
She has served four terms in the position of Board President, two terms as Clerk, one term as Legislative Representative and is currently serving her fifth term as Vice President of the Board.
She represents students and their respective families in neighborhoods stretching from Compton to North Carson, including communities of East Rancho Dominguez, Enterprise, Mona Park, Rosewood, Stevenson Village, West Rancho Dominguez, and Willowbrook.
As a third-generation resident of Compton, Zurita hails from a family that is distinguished by their service to the Compton community. She is the oldest daughter of retired public administrator Clarence Zurita and retired two-term City Councilwoman Delores Zurita.
She has one sister, Compton City Councilwoman Janna Zurita (the other half of “Compton’s Sister Act”), is the proud mother of a daughter, Armani Delores, and an aunt to one niece, Chanel Grace.
A champion for educational equality within Compton’s schools, Zurita has earned a reputation as a passionate advocate who faces head-on complex issues on behalf of students and their families. Even prior to being elected, Zurita was a staunch advocate for strategies to close the academic achievement gap.
Zurita believes we must emphasize the importance of the community as a whole assuming accountability for the momentous task of educating Compton Unified School District’s children.
Zurita is an advocate for higher education. Her passion on the school board has been working to increase the graduation rate and she is actively working with California State University, Dominguez Hills and El Camino College Compton Center to increase the number of students entering and finishing college.
She led the effort to open Compton Early College High School, where students can graduate from high school not only with a diploma, but also with two years of college already completed. This prestigious school has become an incentive for students to attend high school in the Compton Unified School District.
Zurita began her community service as an early teen, volunteering in the Meals On Wheels Program, which was directed by her mother for more than 43 years. Satra served as their volunteer fundraiser for more than 22 years.
Here are a few of the many honors Zurita has received throughout her distinguished career:
· California Democratic Party Delegate
· California School Board Delegate
· Board of Directors – Jefferson Foundation Los Angeles
· 2011 Los Angeles County Democratic Party 52nd Assembly District Woman of the Year
· Member – 52nd Assembly District Advisory Commission
· Member – 52nd Assembly District Democratic Club
· Vice President, Emeritus – AFSCME Local 2325, City of Compton Management Employees
· Member – New Wave Democratic Club
· Lifetime Member – NAACP
· Board of Directors – Ester’s Rosecrans Manor
· Board of Directors – Compton Council of Campfire, Inc.
· Board of Directors – Boys and Girls Club
· Board of Directors – Jarambe Community Housing Development Organization
· PTA President – Drew Child Development Corporation
· Assistant Director – Compton Summer Arts Program
· WOW Award (Woman of Water) – Water Replenishment District
· Vehicle of Change Award – Top Ladies of Distinction
· Vehicle of Change Exemplary Achievement Award – Congresswoman Laura Richardson
· Outstanding Achievement Award – Brotherhood Crusade
· Outstanding Achievement Award – Brothers of the Sun
Zurita’s career began in private enterprise and later transitioned into an expanding career within her own community. Zurita currently serves as a Senior Administrative Analyst with the City of Compton’s Water Department.
Her former work experience includes:
· General Manager – Compton Ramada Hotel & Convention Center (258 employees)
· Assistant General Manager – Compton Lazben Hotel
· Sales Manager – Compton Convention & Visitors Bureau
· Facility Manager – Martin Luther King, Jr. Transit Center
· Project Manager – Federal Aviation Administration
· Project Manager – United States Air Force Base, El Segundo, CA
· Professional Manager – Zurita Management – managing children in the entertainment industry
She efficiently manages contracts of the City’s Renaissance Transit; Dial A Taxi; the Los Angeles County Animal Control; the City’s Graffiti Abatement Program; and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Additionally, Zurita serves as manager of the City’s Film Permits.
Zurita has completed undergraduate studies at the University of California at Irvine; Loyola Marymount University, California State University, Long Beach; and California State University, Dominguez Hills. She holds certificates in Meeting Planning and Special Event Coordination from California State University, Long Beach.
Alma Taylor-Pleasant - Clerk
Term Expires: 6/2026
Trustees Area: E
Alma Taylor-Pleasant is a native of Compton, California also known as the "Hub City". Growing up, she received her formal education attending schools in the Compton Unified School District. She graduated from Los Angeles David Starr Jordan High School in 1978. Subsequently, she furthered her college education at Long Beach Business College in 1981, receiving a certificate in Business Administration. She's the mother of two adult daughters, and grandmother of a grandson who she cherishes immensely.
Pleasant has been notably recognized for her genuine hospitality serving the City of Compton and those in need. Mrs. Pleasant embarked on the journey of her career with the City of Compton of August 1981, gaining a position as an office assistant and transportation dispatcher. Over the years, she has advanced in her position as a recreation activity specialist at Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center, dedicating 36 years of public service. She's initiated several special programs such as the first Father's Day Program & Thanksgiving Luncheon at Kelly Park. Also, she started her own cooking class called, Cooking with Alma at Kelly Park where she enabled adolescents to learn the fundamentals of cooking, baking, and basic math skills. Working diligently with seniors, and the youth inside and outside her community, she hopes to achieve the prospect of becoming a reputable asset for the Compton Unified School District. She's a faithful community servant and a long time member of Love Peace and Happiness Christian Fellowship Center, under the leadership of Bishop Leon Martin.
As Mrs. Pleasant desires to carry on her public service career as the school board member, her ultimate goal is to fuel academic advancement and achievement for students. Mrs. Pleasant is a product of diligence, hospitality, and has demonstrated social resiliency. Mrs. Pleasant will continue to be admired among existing city elected officials, and other employees who work in various departments for the City of Compton in which she has humbly served.
Ayanna Davis, Ed.D. - Legislative Representative
Term Expires: 6/2026
Trustee Area: B
Dr. Ayanna E. Davis was elected to the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees on June 5, 2022.
Dr. Ayanna E. Davis is an advocate for education, leadership, and political and social justice. She is a lifelong resident of the City of Compton. Ayanna provided services for thousands of children and families throughout her 27 years in the field of education. She is a mother of one son, Joshua, a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and the University of Southern California.
As a lifelong Democrat, she has a long history of assisting campaigns for candidates seeking local, state-wide and national office, organizing fundraisers, and facilitating candidate interviews for club endorsements. Davis is currently an appointed delegate by Assemblyman Mike Gipson for the 64th Assembly District. While serving as a delegate she actively participates with the party’s African American Caucus and the Children’s Caucus. Davis is a member and past Vice President and Political Action and Education Chairperson for the New Frontier Democratic Club, the oldest and largest African American Democratic club in California. Dr. Davis holds the office as a Vice President and Political Action Council member for the Association of Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) of Los Angeles Unified School District.
Dr. Davis works passionately to advocate for equity and inclusion for young children (ages birth to 8 years old) living in disadvantaged conditions by serving as Vice President and President-elect of the Southern California Chapter of the California Association of Early Young Children. In addition, she represents as a delegate for Best Start Region 2 which serves the Compton, Watts, Willowbrook, and West Athens communities. In this capacity, she will focus on building capacity and advancing policy and change specific to the needs of those communities.
Dr. Davis attended the University of Southern California and earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She earned a Master of Arts in Education Administration from California State University at Dominguez Hills and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with a focus on Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University at Northridge. Lastly, a doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education.
Sandra Moss - LA County Trustees Association
Term Expires: 3/2024
Trustee Area: F
Sandra Moss is the mother of two sons and the grandmother of two granddaughters. She was born in South Los Angeles, and is a fifteen year resident of Compton, California.
Sandra completed her primary and secondary education in the Lynwood Unified School District. She has earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Economics, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Counseling and Interviewing, and received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from National University in October 2015.
As a child, Sandra realized that she had an instinctive ability to lead. She would organize the neighborhood children to teach them how to read and memorize biblical passages. She has served as a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President for three schools; she has served as Secretary and a member of three School Site Counsels. She has served three years on the Student Attendance Review Team (SART) and the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB). She has worked on numerous committees with school administrators to reduce truancy and suspensions. She is very active in the community and has served as Secretary, Assistant President and she is the seated President of her block club. In 2007, Sandra founded the “Rites of Passage” mentoring program for boys between the ages of 14 to 24. She has worked on Mayor Aja Brown’s Community Task Force (Compton, Ca) and continues to serve in the community in various capacities. She has held key leadership role in her church for the past seventeen years.
She began her career with the Los Angeles County Probation Department twenty-two years ago (1993). For the past fifteen years she has worked in more than six units within the Department. Sandra’s energetic personality, positive outlook, ability to motivate and her “can do” attitude cause her to constantly be chosen to provide leadership, training and mentoring to her co-workers.
Sandra has taught hundreds of Juvenile Detention Officers and Deputy Probation Officers as an Adjunct Professor for more than ten years at West Los Angeles College. She has provided probation supervision and preventive services at more than twenty-six elementary, middle and high school campuses. She has received multiple “employee of the year” awards, and in February 2015, State Senator Holly J. Mitchell recognized Sandra for her outstanding community service.
Michael Hooper - Member
Term Expires: 3/2028
Trustees Area: D
Michael Hooper is a Social Worker for Los Angeles County. In 2023, he earned his Masters of Social Work graduate from California State University, Long Beach. Throughout his career he has gained diverse experience and skills working in various fields. Michael started his social work experience working at PepsiCo for 18 years, with his last position being a Key Account Manager. Michael conducted quarterly business reviews with buyers and senior leadership to identify trends and strategic plans.
As a social worker he will leverage his skills to strengthen his assessments and evaluations of clients and their situations and identify ways to develop effective intervention plans. Michael also provided regional training for employees and managers on technology and shared best practices, which will assist him as a social worker providing education and training to clients, families, and other professionals on topics such as mental health, community resources, and effective communication.
His experience with PepsiCo will translate to setting goals and objectives for clients, and developing individualized plans to achieve those goals through compassion, empathy, and the provision of professional service. Michael focuses on culturally responsive care through maintaining healthy boundaries and following ethical guidelines.
Michael has two years of social work internship experience. He spent one year working with Compton Unified School District and another year working with The Department of Children and Family Services. Within those two years of internship experience, he has enhanced his skills in case management, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and investigations of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. He wrote court reports and conducted interviews with stakeholders, always followed policies and procedures, and provided support as needed while promoting a safe and healthy environment. Michael has also provided individual therapy sessions and child and parent workshop trainings.
As a board member of EOP&S/CARE at Compton Community College and Los Angeles Southwest Community College for five years, he developed strategic plans to provide resources that enhance the college experience for first-generation students, single parents, and their youth. He led community workshops and tutored children as needed. Michael has been a mentor for high school students and a huge advocate assisting them in becoming independent while transitioning from high school to a college environment.
As a youth, Michael transitioned out of foster care and graduated from Dominguez High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies and a Minor in Black Studies from California State University, Long Beach. He is deeply rooted in helping communities of low socioeconomic status. He demonstrates a strong ability to communicate and listen effectively, organize, lead, and make decisions based on facts. Michael is also passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.
Denzell Perry- Member
Term Expires: 6/2026
Trustee Area: A
Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees
Denzell O. Perry was born and grew up in Compton. Elected to the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2022, Denzell proudly serves as the Trustee for Area A. He was elected to the Board Presidency for the 2023-24 term by the board's collective faith in his leadership.
Denzell's current professional engagement is with H&M, where he shines as the Head of HR for the West Coast Sales Market. This pivotal role follows an illustrious career in human resources, spanning various esteemed organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, Safe Place for Youth, and Target Corporation.
As a lifelong resident of Compton, Denzell's journey began within the classrooms of Lincoln Magnet Elementary School and Enterprise Middle School, culminating in an honors graduation from Dominguez High School. An epitome of resilience and ambition, he was a National Youth of the Year Finalist for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a Former Student Board Member for Compton Unified School District.
Denzell furthered his academic prowess as a first-generation college graduate from Menlo College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. His intellectual thirst led him to study law at Pepperdine University School of Law and is currently leading him to earning Ph.D. in Human Resource Management.
Embodying civic duty, Denzell is an active member of the California Democratic Party, serving as a Delegate for Senate District 35 and the Regional Vice Chair of the Black Caucus. His passion for his community and country was recognized on a national scale when he was honored by President Obama in the Oval Office for his commendable community service.
In the face of adversity, Denzell's conviction has remained unwavering. His journey through personal trials, academic uncertainty, and overcoming multiple learning disabilities is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. He mirrors the struggles of many of Compton's youth, enabling him to be not just a leader, but a beacon of hope and inspiration for them.
Denzell’s substantial work within nonprofits, extending from Board Leadership to Program Development, has made him a mentor, an educator, and an architect of curriculum, policies, and procedures that cultivate academic excellence, healthy self-esteem, and boundless optimism. His tireless efforts to transform lives and create pathways to success is why he is a revered representative on the Compton Unified School District’s Governing Board of Trustees.
Since his election, Denzell has ceaselessly leveraged his diverse expertise to provide Compton's youth with pathways towards a brighter future. Compton is not just Denzell’s home, it is the backdrop of his inspiring journey, and he passionately advocates that it can be the genesis of countless other remarkable stories.
Email: Dperry@Compton.k12.ca.us
Cell: 310-868-4428