Contra Costa County School Races

Results are a combination of data provided by the Associated Press (AP) and county election offices. The AP calls winners by analyzing vote tallies and other election data. Check marks are used to denote a winner only when the AP calls a race.

Top candidate wins seat.

Daniel Nathan-Heiss59.3%
42,206 votes
Anthony Edward Caro40.6%
28,949 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Yazmin Llamas(incumbent)63%
50,322 votes
Vicki Gordon36.9%
29,483 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Diana J. Honig73.4%
77,127 votes
Kofi Opong-Mensah26.5%
27,867 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Fernando Sandoval(incumbent)63.4%
44,491 votes
Debra Vinson36.5%
25,582 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Dee Brown53.5%
4,831 votes
Scott Bergerhouse46.4%
4,191 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Olga Cobos-Smith60.4%
4,829 votes
Gary Hack(incumbent)39.5%
3,157 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Logan Campbell52.9%
1,497 votes
Carlos M. Melendez(incumbent)47%
1,331 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Thomas “Frugal” McDougall51.8%
11,753 votes
May Jabeen Patel48.1%
10,894 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Shelley Clark(incumbent)59.2%
11,076 votes
Karin Shumway40.7%
7,628 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Laura Bratt(incumbent)51.2%
6,062 votes
Sukriti Sehgal48.7%
5,772 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top candidate wins seat.

Guadalupe Enllana54.6%
6,810 votes
Otheree AK Christian(incumbent)45.3%
5,641 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top two candidates win seat. Includes votes from Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

Deena Kaplanis24%
15,817 votes
Christiaan Vandenheuvel23.1%
15,223 votes
Maggie Tufts22.6%
14,895 votes

Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top two candidates win seat.

Wendy Reicher(incumbent)30.2%
28,513 votes
Paul Chopra25.1%
23,698 votes
Stacey Schweppe15.5%
14,661 votes

Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Top two candidates win seat.

Stephanie Dickerson42.4%
5,436 votes
Lee Hays34.4%
4,417 votes
Gian Panetta23%
2,959 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County Board of Education Governing Board, Area 1

Top candidate wins seat.

Daniel Nathan-Heiss59.3%
42,206 votes
Anthony Edward Caro40.6%
28,949 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Anthony Edward Caro 

  • Financial consultant
  • Student Success: “With sound policy, good leadership, and proper support for our teachers, we can ensure our students have a clear path to success.”
  • Education: “My mission has always been to champion high-quality education as a means of forging better opportunities for those in our community.”
  • Collaboration: “My campaign has focused on coalition building and leveraging relationships to solve the problems facing our students, teachers, and school system. It will take a collaboration of city, county, community, and state officials.”
  • www.anthonyecaro.com

Daniel Nathan-Heiss

  • Educator/economic commissioner
  • Experience: “I’m an outsider with experience in education, business, and volunteering in the community who will ask the tough questions and demand change so that students reach their full potential.”
  • Accessibility: “Growing up as a student with learning disabilities, I experienced firsthand a system that too often fails to see our kids where they’re at. Students like me often lack support and fall through the cracks.”
  • Priorities: “My priorities include: readying students for tomorrow’s workforce, ensuring safe and nurturing education environments, training and retaining qualified teachers, supporting all public schools, both traditional and charter schools, and ensuring that students in juvenile detention centers are learning and matriculating.”

Contra Costa County Board of Education Governing Board, Area 3

Top candidate wins seat.

Yazmin Llamas(incumbent)63%
50,322 votes
Vicki Gordon36.9%
29,483 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Vicki Gordon

  • Educator 
  • Staff Shortage: “Teacher shortages and unstable funding make it difficult for our districts to focus on student programs and outcomes. As your County Board of Education trustee, I will ensure the oversight and support that our schools and students need to be successful.”
  • Experience: “With a combined 23 years of elected experience as a Martinez Unified School District trustee and Contra Costa Community College District trustee, I have a proven track record of successfully managing school districts and budgets as well as programs for students.”
  • Priorities: “Ensuring that students have the knowledge and skills for success in college, careers and CTE; Increasing fundamental programs for skills in reading, math and science; Leading by providing wages that will attract and retain quality teachers which impacts student success.”
  • www.vickigordon2024.net

Yazmin Llamas

  • Martinez Unified School District, Governing Board Member, Area 3
  • Education: “I believe that education is the key to success for all students and the key to building a life that provides upward mobility.”
  • Student Safety: “I will address school safety and promote parent and community engagement, stressing transparency and accountability.”
  • Priorities: “I’ll advocate for smaller class sizes, career education, removing educational barriers for students, and high-quality public schools in every neighborhood.”

Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board, Ward 2

Top candidate wins seat.

Diana J. Honig73.4%
77,127 votes
Kofi Opong-Mensah26.5%
27,867 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Diana J. Honig 

  • Retired attorney/mother 
  • Education: “As your college trustee, I’ll ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.”
  • Budget: “The County Board of Supervisors also appointed me to the Measure X Community Advisory Board, where I make budget recommendations supporting underserved communities.”
  • Parents: “As a mother of two children applying to colleges this fall, I understand what families are going through. I’ll be a strong advocate for parents, students and our workforce.”
  • www.dianahonig.org

Kofi Opong-Mensah  

  • Businessman/scientist 
  • Class Sizes: “As your next school board member, I will work for small class sizes and better learning environments for our students.”
  • Student Safety: “I will ensure that we create a safer learning environment to achieve these goals.”
  • Curricula: “I am committed to promoting innovative programs that help our students develop critical thinking skills, and creativity … I believe that providing comprehensive education that includes both academic and real-world skills is critical.”
  • www.Kofi4CD.com

Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board, Ward 5

Top candidate wins seat.

Fernando Sandoval(incumbent)63.4%
44,491 votes
Debra Vinson36.5%
25,582 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Debra Vinson  

  • Child and family therapist
  • Statement pending or not available.

Fernando Sandoval  

  • Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board Member, Ward 5
  • Budget: “I’ve guarded taxpayer dollars and helped deliver modernized resources and facilities to our classrooms as part of my role for bond oversight … I will continue to … address tight budget constraints, ensure appropriate policy oversight, and produce innovative solutions during these challenging times.” 
  • Accessibility: “As your trustee, I will continue student access to higher education, work to close the digital divide, and give educators the support and tools needed to continue to make distance learning a success.”
  • Career Readiness: “It will be critical to prioritize careers and programs with pathways for essential sectors.”
  • www.fernando4collegeboard.com

Antioch Unified School District Governing Board, Area 3

Top candidate wins seat.

Dee Brown53.5%
4,831 votes
Scott Bergerhouse46.4%
4,191 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Dee Brown

  • Educational program director 
  • Education: “My grandfather, my provider and advocate, instilled a deep sense of care and compassion in me. This inspired my commitment to young children.”
  • Accessibility: “I will work tirelessly to ensure all students, including students with disabilities, have the resources and tools to thrive in our schools and develop the skills necessary to be successful in our complex global economy.”
  • Priorities: “As your school board member, I will fight to equip teachers and staff with the tools to meet the growing demands of students with disabilities; ensure students, teachers, and support staff feel safe and valued in our schools; build after-school programs that keep kids off the streets and out of trouble; and embrace technical training and education, not just college preparation.”
  • www.deebrownca.com

Scott Bergerhouse  

  • Retired school administrator
  • Statement pending or not available.

Antioch Unified School District Governing Board, Area 4

Top candidate wins seat.

Olga Cobos-Smith60.4%
4,829 votes
Gary Hack(incumbent)39.5%
3,157 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Gary Hack 

  • Antioch Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 4
  • Education: “Public education continues to be ‘my’ thing. It’s what I do. I believe that public schools are an ongoing asset to the Antioch community.”
  • Collaboration: “I think that strong educational leadership means engaging the community — listening to employees, neighbors, parents, and students — while finding solutions to make positive changes.”
  • Experience: “I bring many years of educational experience as an active community member, teacher, union leader, and a three-term school board member.”

Olga Cobos-Smith

  • Pediatric nurse/entrepreneur
  • Education: “All policy is health policy including education … I deeply understand the connection between education and health outcomes.”
  • Curricula: “It is my goal to ensure that every child of Antioch can succeed at life to the best of their ability … by positively impacting education policy with focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), improving literacy outcomes and the social/emotional well-being of our students.”
  • Experience: “I spent the first twenty years of my professional life in academic medicine working with critically ill children and their families. A large part of that entailed advocating for and educating parents.”

Martinez Unified School District Governing Board, Area 1

Top candidate wins seat.

Logan Campbell52.9%
1,497 votes
Carlos M. Melendez(incumbent)47%
1,331 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Carlos M. Melendez

  • Martinez Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 1
  • Experience: “As a licensed engineer, I use facts and figures balanced with need and reason to guide my decision-making.”
  • Budget: “As trustee, I strive to improve the Martinez Schools through conservative fiscal management.”
  • Priorities: “I have worked at sticking to the basics of education while supporting families to develop well-rounded youth and working with community leaders to improve communication, expenditures, and staff relationships.”

Logan Campbell 

  • Small-business owner
  • Education: “I believe that every student in our district deserves an educational environment that will support and challenge them so that they can see just how far they can go.”
  • Inclusivity: “I am committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.”
  • Priorities: “I envision a future where every MUSD student has access to a top-notch education that exposes them to trades, entrepreneurships, and an academic education that allows them to reach their full potential and that meets the needs of all students, families, and staff.”

Mt Diablo Unified School District Governing Board, Area 5

Top candidate wins seat.

Thomas “Frugal” McDougall51.8%
11,753 votes
May Jabeen Patel48.1%
10,894 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Thomas “Frugal” McDougall

  • Educator/father/businessman
  • Career Readiness: “Despite the district’s claimed 85% graduation rate, only 34% of our students are prepared to be productive citizens … This concerns me deeply.”
  • Budget: “The district is currently overspending due to inflated enrollment figures — a critical issue I’ll address through accurate data analysis and strategic planning.”
  • Priorities: “My priorities are: refocus on basics — reading, writing, and arithmetic. Expand vocational training to provide diverse career paths. Reduce class sizes for personalized attention. Maintain essential special education support. Implement data-driven decision-making for resource allocation.”

May Jabeen Patel

  • Businessperson/parent/caregiver
  • Tuition: “I helped establish and operate a local nonprofit that provided scholarships and school supplies to disadvantaged MDUSD students, since 2011.”
  • Experience: “Through my countless interactions and conversations with parents, teachers, staff, and students — I am developing a pulse on the needs of our district.”
  • Priorities: “Welcoming schools where every student and family feels accepted and engaged; mental health and well-being for students, teachers, and staff; enhanced career pathways to local apprenticeships and higher education.”
  • www.may4mdusd.com

San Ramon Valley Unified School District Governing Board, Area 2

Top candidate wins seat.

Shelley Clark(incumbent)59.2%
11,076 votes
Karin Shumway40.7%
7,628 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Shelley Clark 

  • San Ramon Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 2/CFO
  • Inclusivity: “Over the past four years, I have served thousands of students, with a focus on equity, inclusion, quality, and safety.”
  • Budget: “Successfully negotiating the superintendent and assistant superintendents’ contracts, saving the district thousands of dollars.”
  • Priorities: “I’m focused on driving continued academic excellence; prioritizing student mental health and well-being; expanding technology access; continuing to build and strengthen relationships with parents, teachers, and local organizations; as well as ensuring accountability and fiscal responsibility of the district’s resources.”
  • www.shelleyforsrvusd.org

Karin Shumway

  • Homemaker 
  • Experience: “I have five children ages 9–17 currently in the district represented across all education levels. I’ve spent years volunteering in classrooms working closely with teachers.” 
  • Collaboration: “The district needs to take feedback and guidance from parents and teachers … while creating transparent environments where teachers can teach and students can learn.” 
  • Education: “Every student deserves access to a high quality education. Parents and teachers are the front line for our children, and as partners in education, we need to create pathways for students to learn, grow, and be successful.”

San Ramon Valley Unified School District Governing Board, Area 3

Top candidate wins seat.

Laura Bratt(incumbent)51.2%
6,062 votes
Sukriti Sehgal48.7%
5,772 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Laura Bratt

  • San Ramon Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 3
  • Experience: “With a proven track record of collaborative leadership, a commitment to improving educational experiences for all students, and 4 years as a trustee representing Area 3, I have the tools needed to help lead our district into an even brighter future.”
  • Accessibility: “Since 2020, I have championed initiatives grounded in deep learning and innovation, social-emotional well-being, and equity to ensure that each and every student learns and thrives.”
  • Priorities: “With a second term, I will focus on continued implementation and accountability of the district’s strategic directions; increased shared leadership opportunities; expanded pathways for student success; and thoughtful navigation of future shifts in funding.”
  • www.VoteLauraBratt.com

Sukriti Sehgal

  • Scientist/mother
  • Priorities: “I want to see our children fulfill their dreams and ambitions, and grow into responsible citizens who contribute positively to the community, country, and planet. To achieve this, we need an environment that supports academic excellence while nurturing their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.”
  • Collaboration: “By connecting with students and parents, I will voice their concerns as new challenges arise in an ever-changing landscape … I believe incorporating diverse viewpoints strengthens us and helps reach holistic solutions.”
  • Experience: “Having worked at Fortune 500 companies, startups, and as adjunct professor at UC Davis, I have experience uniting teams with conflicting priorities to achieve common goals.”

West Contra Costa Unified School District Governing Board, Area 2

Top candidate wins seat.

Guadalupe Enllana54.6%
6,810 votes
Otheree AK Christian(incumbent)45.3%
5,641 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Otheree Christian

  • West Contra Costa Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 2
  • Experience: “I spent my career protecting children. … I was the lead school safety officer at El Cerrito High School. … I was a case manager for disadvantaged youth and intake officer at juvenile hall.”
  • Student Safety: “As your school board member, I have focused on safety, navigating COVID issues, removing barriers to learning and working in partnership with our entire school community.”
  • Priorities: “Much more remains to be done — we need to center our budget on learning, expand career technical education, increase investing in community schools, focus on recruitment and support of teachers and staff, and continue protecting students from physical and emotional harm.”
  • www.othereechristianforschoolboard.com

Guadalupe Enllana

  • Community volunteer
  • Experience: “As a lifelong resident of Richmond and an alumna of the Richmond Unified School District, I bring firsthand experience and deep-rooted understanding of the district’s programs and challenges.”
  • Budget: “I am currently the chair of the city of Richmond’s Children and Youth Oversight Board, former vice chair of the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC).”
  • Priorities: “My campaign is centered on three pivotal priorities: reinforcing and expanding community schools in the WCCUSD; establishing innovative systems for data-driven decision-making; and investing in education to support our most vulnerable students and families.”

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Governing Board

Top two candidates win seat. Includes votes from Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

Deena Kaplanis24%
15,817 votes
Christiaan Vandenheuvel23.1%
15,223 votes
Maggie Tufts22.6%
14,895 votes

Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Tara Boyce

  • Technology architect/parent
  • Literacy Challenges: “During first grade, I had to navigate literacy challenges for my child requiring partnerships with both the school and the district to develop a support plan for second grade and beyond to provide scaffolding specific to his needs. During this process, my passion for advocating for all students grew.”
  • Experience: “I was raised near Scranton, Pa., in a blue-collar family and educated in public schools, which led to a BA in Economics and Political Science, and launched a career in Finance where I performed several roles under the CFO, earning an MBA while working full time.”
  • Budget: “Current funding reductions require my professional skills to identify savings that avoid harming the educational mission while creatively using existing funds to do more with less.”

Jean Paulsen

  • Graphic novel author
  • Experience: “My governmental service includes serving as a nine-time election worker for the Alameda County Registrar of Voters, serving as a legal intern for the San Francisco Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and serving as an essential 2020 U.S. Census worker.”
  • Education: “I am running to provide a fantastic quality of education to the same excellent Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District where I once studied.”
  • School Bonds: “With the help of the school board and our community, I plan to reintroduce another school bond.”

Maggie Tufts

  • Educator 
  • Experience: “My bachelor’s degree in education, bilingual teaching experience, and Hispanic bicultural background fuel my passion to ensure quality education for all students in the Livermore school district.”
  • Priorities: “If elected, I will promote student wellness and safety at our schools, connect families, teachers, and staff to better navigate the school system, and advocate for greater emphasis on college and career readiness for all students.”
  • Transparency: “I also recognize the benefits of families being informed as early as possible in their child’s educational career so that they can provide better support in matters such as high school class requirements.”

Deena Kaplanis

  • Mother/doctor/businesswoman
  • Priorities: “My goal is to prioritize educational excellence, safe schools, and offering students greater opportunities.”
  • Experience: “I serve the community as a private practicing Chiropractic Doctor, local small business owner, and active PTA board member. I regularly participate in Livermore Parent Information Council meetings and volunteer as team parent for soccer, baseball, and our church’s children’s ministry.”
  • Problem Solving: “As a businesswoman, I am skilled in effective communication, problem-solving, and rallying people for vital causes.”
  • www.Drdeenak4LVJUSD.com

Amanda Pepper

  • Parent/author
  • Experience: “I have been involved in a number of ways: classroom volunteer, PTA board member, site council president, member of the committee to reopen the schools during the pandemic, and most recently vice-chair of the Community Bond Oversight Committee.”
  • Curricula: “I also have a background in textbook publishing with insight into curricula.”
  • Education: “Schools are in the business of knowledge and education, and I want to support and further that objective.”

Christiaan Vandenheuvel

  • Pastor/substitute teacher
  • Experience: “As an immigrant who moved to the U.S. and learned English at age 20, I bring a diverse perspective to the board. I served as PTA president at Livermore High School for three years and on the School Site Council for LHS and East Avenue Middle School.”
  • Priorities: “My priorities include improving education quality through data-driven best practices, fostering a collaborative board culture that resists polarization and radicalism, and ensuring every student can achieve their fullest potential.”
  • Inclusivity: “I aim to champion innovative teaching strategies and provide an inclusive environment for all students.”

Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board

Top two candidates win seat.

Wendy Reicher(incumbent)30.2%
28,513 votes
Paul Chopra25.1%
23,698 votes
Stacey Schweppe15.5%
14,661 votes

Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Peter Catalano 

  • Rossmoor Board Member
  • Vision: “While we need to work on the deficit, we should focus on things that make the schools a better place to work and study.  I’d work with teachers to see what they need (a more streamlined administration?) as well as student groups to address their concerns.”
  • Curriculum: “I think kids should be able to read books that have a different perspective than the mainstream and I’m opposed to most censorship.  I’m an ally and a member of the Gay Rights Alliance.”
  • Education: “I’m amazed at what kids don’t know.  Before they graduate we should be sure they’re ready to participate in the world.”  
  • petercatalano.site

Wendy Reicher

  • Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board Member
  • Education: “I want to continue leading our community’s most prized asset: the 5500 unique students that rely on us to guide them to thriving adulthood.”
  • Special Education: “I also represent the board on the Special Education Advisory Committee, an area I have particular passion for supporting the district’s growth.”
  • Collaboration: “I’ve worked directly with students, parents, staff, administration and district leaders.”
  • wendyreicher.com

Stacey Schweppe

  • Community volunteer
  • Mental Health: “I am a strong proponent for providing students with the mental health resources they need to thrive academically and personally. At Las Lomas, I created the first wellness fair for students.”
  • Inclusivity: “I will work to ensure all students feel welcome at school.”
  • Budget: “As a current member on the Citizens Oversight Committee for AUHSD measures G and A, we are tasked with ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Through this work, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the budget challenges facing our district.”
  • www.Schweppe4AUHSD.com

Andrew Fontan 

  • Educator 
  • Education: “Growing up as a second-generation Walnut Creeker, and having been a part of both the vulnerable and nontraditional student bodies in school, I understand the immense pressures placed upon our students.”
  • Inclusivity: “It is from my own experience, education, and vocation that moves me to ensure a more equated sense of belonging throughout the Acalanes Union High School District.”
  • Accessibility: “Ensuring that both our vulnerable and nontraditional students will receive the same amount of resources, funding, opportunities, and care, as those from the core student body.”

Sibyl Minighini

  • School psychologist
  • Statement pending or not available.

Paul Chopra

  • Accountant/parent
  • Education: “I passionately believe that our schools are the backbone of our community and we must continue to provide a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment to our students.”
  • Priorities: “If elected, I will focus on implementing strategic initiatives that enhance academic performance and foster an inclusive culture for all students, all while ensuring fiscal stability.”
  • Budget: “I understand that meeting our district’s budgetary needs will be increasingly difficult due to inflation, rising costs, and insufficient state funding. Therefore, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility and long-term strategic planning to ensure our financial preparedness for the future.”
  • www.paulchopra.org

Moraga School District Governing Board

Top two candidates win seat.

Stephanie Dickerson42.4%
5,436 votes
Lee Hays34.4%
4,417 votes
Gian Panetta23%
2,959 votes
Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Stephanie Dickerson

  • Physical therapist
  • Education: “I believe the MSD has an obligation to ensure that a quality education is provided to every student.”
  • Priorities: “Maintaining school safety, fostering healthy learning environments, thoughtfully appropriating funds, and ensuring a strong curriculum.”
  • Early Literacy: “Early literacy is a passion of mine. I have a son with the superpower of dyslexia whose journey has enriched my knowledge of reading acquisition for all children.”

Lee Hays

  • Businessman/father 
  • Education: “I have firsthand experience with the strengths and challenges of our local schools.”
  • Experience: “My commitment to public service began with my time as a U.S. Army veteran, where I developed strong leadership skills and a sense of duty that I’ve carried into civilian life.”
  • Priorities: “My goal is to ensure that all children in our district receive the quality education they deserve, while also considering the needs of our teachers, staff, and the broader Moraga community.”

Gian Panetta

  • Insurance account manager
  • Accessibility: “I understand the challenges faced by students with ADHD/ADD and other learning disabilities in Moraga’s education system. I am deeply committed to addressing these challenges.”
  • Priorities: “I am committed to giving back to the district, schools, and teachers who supported me, inspiring hope and confidence in our educational system.”
  • Budget: “I became President of the Board for the Moraga Chamber of Commerce, spearheading the efforts to secure $250,000 from our town for our family-owned businesses.”

More Results

See results for all elections on the Contra Costa County ballot.

Have a correction? Contact voterguide@kqed.org.