James Miniaci

Education

A product of Lathrop and Manteca schools, Jim Miniacis career choice was in the field of education - back where he began. After graduation from the College of the Pacific in 1950, he began as a fifth grade teacher at Lindbergh School. After serving as a teacher, he went on to become a principal, curriculum consultant, and a school district administrator.

While a supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance for the Manteca Unified School District, Jim formed and chaired the District Attendance Review Board. The board held hearings for students with serious attendance problems. Later, he established and chaired the district's Disciplinary Review Board. It provided for the maintenance of acceptable student discipline standards throughout the entire school district.

The final four years of his 35-year career were served as Director of Special Services/Child Welfare and Attendance. He found appropriate placements to meet the needs of special education students and supervised special education personnel.

His interest in the welfare of children expanded into the community where he served on numerous committees with local agencies that focused on in-need and at-risk children and adults. These committees included: San Joaquin County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, Manteca CAPS and Manteca Probation, Police and Sheriffs Stay in School Program.

The effects and successes of Jim Miniaci’s career not only can be measured by these achievements, but also by the heartfelt thanks that he now regularly receives from those upon whom he made the most impact - his students.