mars serna

 

Marcelino “Mars” Serna has over 40 years of experience as a public servant in the areas of Education, Recreation, and Human Services. For the past 16 years, Mars has served the districts of San Bernardino City Unified School District (2006 to 2014), Fontana Unified School District (2015-2016), and currently the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools as the Family/Community Engagement Program Specialist, supporting the 33 districts throughout the county with their respective family and community engagement initiatives. He also has served as an Adjunct Professor at San Bernardino Valley College in the Human Services Department, where he taught Cultural Proficiency and Cross-Cultural Communication.

Mars has also served on a variety of community boards. He currently serves as a member of the Governing Board of Education at Fontana Unified School District.  He also serves on the Executive Board of the San Bernardino County Gangs & Drugs Taskforce, the Inland Empire Fatherhood Involvement Coalition, the San Bernardino County Mentoring Advisory Committee, and the Loma Linda University Health’s Community Benefit Advisory Council (CBAC). Along with serving on these boards, he was the co-founder of the Inland Empire Family Resource Center Coalition, where he served as Chairperson from 2008 to 2014.

Mars received an associate degree from Riverside Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and his master’s degree from the University of Redlands in Management. He is happily married to his wonderful wife, Marissa, and has (4) children: Jesse (37), Elena (35), Andrew (33), Issak (21), and is currently rearing his 16-year-old niece, Sophia.  He also has five grandchildren.

Proven Leadership

  • Current Vice President and three-time President of the Fontana Unified School District Board of Education.

  • Eight years of proven leadership serving the students, families, and employees of Fontana Unified.

  • A steady, experienced voice focused on collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and student success.

  • More than 40 years of leadership in education, human services, recreation, and community engagement.

A Record of Results

  • Supported the successful school facilities bond that is transforming learning opportunities across Fontana.

  • Helped bring a new 7–12 academy to Fontana, featuring Performing Arts, Cybersecurity, Medical Technology, and Esports pathways.

  • Supported construction of Summit High School's new stadium to expand opportunities for students and the community.

  • Supported expansion at Sierra Lakes Elementary School, increasing classroom capacity and adding new student play space.

  • Supported investments in safe, modern schools that prepare students for college, careers, and life.

Experience That Matters

  • Current county leader supporting family engagement and school improvement efforts across San Bernardino County.

  • Experienced in school governance, understanding budgets, labor relations, curriculum oversight, facilities planning, and state education policy.

  • Committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while investing in students.

Parent & Community Leader

  • Parent and longtime school volunteer.

  • Active supporter through PTA, Band Boosters, Cheer Boosters, and Baseball Boosters.

  • Lifelong advocate for strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community.

Leadership Philosophy

  • Puts Students First.

  • Builds bridges—not divisions.

  • Listens before leading.

  • Makes thoughtful, informed decisions.

  • Focused on long-term success, not short-term politics.

 
Awards / Recognitions