James Arcala

James Arcala, MPA, CFE has a diverse work experience in the field of education and finance. James is currently serving as the Director of Budget, Audit, and Attendance at the Fremont Unified School District since February 2022. Prior to this, they worked as the Manager of District Business Services at the San Mateo County Office of Education from November 2018 to February 2022, where they provided technical advice and fiscal oversight to school districts.

Before joining the San Mateo County Office of Education, James worked as a Financial Analyst at the Oakland Unified School District from August 2014 to November 2018. During their time there, they provided budget guidance and monitoring support to school principals and central department executive directors.

In addition to their roles in the education sector, James also gained experience at various organizations. James served as the Director of Business Services at the Vallejo City Unified School District from July 2013 to July 2014. Prior to that, they worked at the NYC Department of Education as a Senior Grants Officer/Director of Operations for Small Learning Communities from September 2011 to June 2013, and as an Operations Manager for the Division of Portfolio and Planning from March 2010 to September 2011.

James has also worked as a College and Career Program Instructor at The Opportunity Network from March 2011 to June 2013, as a Program Director at Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow from July 2008 to February 2010, as a College and Career Project Director at Grossmont College from July 2007 to July 2008, as a College and Career Program Coordinator at Boys and Girls Clubs of America from February 2007 to December 2007, and as a Program and Outreach Coordinator at buildOn from June 2006 to February 2007.

Overall, James Arcala has a strong background in budgeting, financial management, and educational operations gained through their extensive work experience in various educational institutions and organizations.

James Arcala holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Baruch College, which they obtained from 2008 to 2010. Prior to that, they completed their undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where they received a Bachelors degree in Political Science and Asian American Studies from 2001 to 2005. In 2015, James earned a certificate in Chief Business Officer from the Financial Crisis and Management Assistance Team, and in 2021, they obtained a certificate as a Certified Fraud Examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Additionally, they also received a certificate in School Business from the Association of California School Administrators' School Business Academy from 2013 to 2014.