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Alameda County School Races

Alameda Unified School District Governing Board Member, Full Term

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Joyce Boyd, Certified Public Accountant

  • No response received.

Carrie Hahnel, Appointed AUSD Board Member

  • “Ensuring strong reading and math foundations and consistently high academic expectations.”

Sarah Putnam, Parent

  • “Making equity and accessibility the foundation of every AUSD school, program and decision.”

Gary Lym, Alameda Unified School District Governing Board Member

  • No response received.

Mike McMahon, Independent Contractor

  • “Strengthen teaching and learning while preparing Alameda schools thoughtfully for AI.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelSupport
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonSupport
  • PutnamOppose

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelOppose
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonSupport
  • PutnamOppose

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelSupport
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonOppose
  • PutnamOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelOppose
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonOppose
  • PutnamOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelNo response
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonOppose
  • PutnamOppose

Castro Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 2, Short Term

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Jesus Jacobo

  • No response received.

Frederick Regala, Construction Technology Manager

  • “Collaborate to fix budgets inefficiency and expand student AI and emerging tech readiness programs.”

Myla Long

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • JacoboNo response
  • LongNo response
  • RegalaSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • JacoboNo response
  • LongOppose
  • RegalaSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • JacoboNo response
  • LongNo response
  • RegalaOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • JacoboNo response
  • LongNo response
  • RegalaOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • JacoboNo response
  • LongNo response
  • RegalaSupport

Castro Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 3

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Dan Jacowitz, Peace Officer/Father

  • “The safety infrastructure of our campuses, students, educators and staff.”

Glenn A. Miller

  • No response received.

Eryka N Mathews-Cain, Financial Manager/Parent

  • “Improve student achievement, close opportunity gaps, and ensure every child has a path to success.”

Kara Wong

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • JacowitzSupport
  • Mathews-CainSupport
  • MillerNo response
  • WongNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • JacowitzSupport
  • Mathews-CainOppose
  • MillerNo response
  • WongNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • JacowitzOppose
  • Mathews-CainSupport
  • MillerNo response
  • WongNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • JacowitzSupport
  • Mathews-CainOppose
  • MillerNo response
  • WongNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • JacowitzSupport
  • Mathews-CainNo response
  • MillerNo response
  • WongNo response

Castro Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 4

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Faith Carroll, Classified Substitute/Parent

  • “Clear, transparent communication and responsible, accountable use of district resources.”

Joseph Grcar, Retired Laboratory Scientist

  • No response received.

Brian A. Foster, Retired Teacher

  • “To restore Academic Achievement as our #1 Priority”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • CarrollSupport
  • FosterSupport
  • GrcarNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • CarrollOppose
  • FosterSupport
  • GrcarNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • CarrollSupport
  • FosterSupport
  • GrcarNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • CarrollOppose
  • FosterOppose
  • GrcarNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • CarrollSupport
  • FosterOppose
  • GrcarNo response

Dublin Unified School District Governing Board Members, Area 3, Short Term

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Shalini Bhandari, Energy Sustainability Manager

  • No response received.

Tanner Frye, Energy Compliance Inspector

  • “Retaining quality teachers”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • BhandariNo response
  • FryeSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • BhandariNo response
  • FryeOppose

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • BhandariNo response
  • FryeOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • BhandariNo response
  • FryeOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • BhandariNo response
  • FryeNo response

Dublin Unified School District Governing Board Members, Area 5

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Seema Badar, Community Volunteer

  • No response received.

Dan Cherrier, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Emery Unified School District Governing Board Members

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Christopher Keith Allen, Parent

  • No response received.

Brian Donahue, Businessman/Journalist/Parent

  • “I’m not running to win and I am announcing that publicly. I’m running to force an election at EUSD.”

Kimberly Solis, Student

  • No response received.

Regina Chagolla, Incumbent

  • No response received.

David Ridlehuber, Parent/Contractor

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • AllenNo response
  • ChagollaNo response
  • DonahueSupport
  • RidlehuberNo response
  • SolisNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • AllenNo response
  • ChagollaNo response
  • DonahueOppose
  • RidlehuberNo response
  • SolisNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • AllenNo response
  • ChagollaNo response
  • DonahueOppose
  • RidlehuberNo response
  • SolisNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • AllenNo response
  • ChagollaNo response
  • DonahueOppose
  • RidlehuberNo response
  • SolisNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • AllenNo response
  • ChagollaNo response
  • DonahueOppose
  • RidlehuberNo response
  • SolisNo response

Hayward Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 2

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Joann Guzman, Community Volunteer

  • “Student success. Every student has potential and deserves the support and opportunity to reach it.”

Joe Orlando Ramos, Author/Adult Educator

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • GuzmanSupport
  • RamosNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • GuzmanOppose
  • RamosNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • GuzmanOppose
  • RamosNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • GuzmanOppose
  • RamosNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • GuzmanSupport
  • RamosNo response

Hayward Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 4

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Michelle Fernelius, Parent/Research Director

  • “Improve student outcomes by ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.”

Maria Araceli Orozco, Parent/Caregiver/Student

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • FerneliusOppose
  • OrozcoNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • FerneliusOppose
  • OrozcoNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • FerneliusOppose
  • OrozcoNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • FerneliusOppose
  • OrozcoNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • FerneliusOppose
  • OrozcoNo response

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 2

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Tara Boyce, Parent/Finance Consultant

  • No response received.

Stephen R. Orgain

  • No response received.

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 3

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Angela M. Brady, Parent/Data Analyst

  • “Transparency: Clear, accessible communication about board decisions, spending, policies, and goals.”

Deborah Gibson, Retired Teacher

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • BradySupport
  • GibsonNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • BradyOppose
  • GibsonNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • BradySupport
  • GibsonNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • BradyOppose
  • GibsonNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • BradyOppose
  • GibsonNo response

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 5

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Deena Kaplanis, Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Board Member

  • “Educational excellence, student health & safety, and financial responsibility”

Christiaan Vandenheuval, Member, Board of Education, Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

  • “Student Achievement and closing the achievement gap for English learners and behind-grade-level kids.”

Sam Phelps

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • KaplanisSupport
  • PhelpsNo response
  • VandenheuvalSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • KaplanisSupport
  • PhelpsNo response
  • VandenheuvalSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • KaplanisOppose
  • PhelpsNo response
  • VandenheuvalOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • KaplanisNo response
  • PhelpsNo response
  • VandenheuvalOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • KaplanisSupport
  • PhelpsNo response
  • VandenheuvalSupport

New Haven Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 4

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Shruti Kumar, Professor/School Trustee

  • “Our students (their learning and their safety)”

Kashif Wasim, Software Engineer

  • No response received.

Charandeep Singh Tatlah, Entrepreneur/IT Professional

  • “Our kids need early access to robotics, theater, public speaking & digital arts to fuel creativity.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • KumarOppose
  • TatlahSupport
  • WasimNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • KumarOppose
  • TatlahOppose
  • WasimNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • KumarOppose
  • TatlahOppose
  • WasimNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • KumarOppose
  • TatlahOppose
  • WasimNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • KumarOppose
  • TatlahOppose
  • WasimNo response

New Haven Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 5

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Deepti Garg, Mother/Program Manager

  • “Student success through strong academics, safe schools, fiscal responsibility, and transparency.”

Francis Rojas, Educational Consultant/Parent

  • “Build trust through transparent and collaborative school governance that gives every family a voice.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • GargSupport
  • RojasSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • GargSupport
  • RojasSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • GargOppose
  • RojasSupport

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • GargOppose
  • RojasOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • GargOppose
  • RojasSupport

Oakland Unified School District Board of Education, District 2

Why does this race matter?

Oakland’s school board has been bogged down by infighting, fueling concerns from school principals and county education leaders about its ability to function. With a challenger taking on the board president, who led a slim majority in several controversial votes, the race could signal whether voters — including 16- and 17-year-olds — agree. 

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.

Candidates

Jennifer Brouhard
Jennifer BrouhardPresident, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
Arielle Fleisher
Arielle FleisherPolicy director and public school parent
 

Positions on Key Issues

Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.

In recent years, Oakland Unified School District has considered closing schools as enrollment declines, but the board has yet to carry out such a plan. Do you believe that a school closure process is necessary, and if so, what would guide your approach as a board member?

Brouhard opposes closing schools. She says closures don’t help the district’s budget situation, can have negative effects on enrollment and require the district to maintain empty properties until they are repurposed or sold, which she also opposes. “It doesn’t save money, and it really does disrupt our communities,” she says. 
Fleisher says “everything should be on the table” to address the district’s budget crisis. She believes the question isn’t whether OUSD can operate all of its schools — saying it’s currently possible — but whether it can give students the educational experience they deserve while doing so. “That’s proving to be really challenging,” she says. “We’re spreading our resources too thin.”

Oakland campuses have seen a series of violent incidents in recent years, and the district disbanded its police force in 2020. How should the district approach improving safety on campuses? Do you support introducing either sworn law enforcement officers or metal detectors to campuses, as some parents have called for?

Brouhard does not support law enforcement officers or metal detectors on campus. She does, however, think that OUSD needs to improve its relationship with the city and Alameda County around violence prevention. She believes it’s important to fund OUSD’s case managers and community school managers. It’s important for students to have “somebody that checks in with them every day,” she says.
Fleisher does not want either sworn law enforcement officers or metal detectors on campus. She says it’s imperative that students feel safe on campus, and before making any changes, she would want the district to conduct an evaluation that looks at current safety policy, compares it to other districts’ policies and outcomes and identifies Oakland-specific challenges. Fleisher supports OUSD’s Culture Keepers program, which focuses safety personnel on building community and relationships.

OUSD has struggled with its budget for decades. Just this fall, it was given a negative credit outlook, despite self-reporting an improving financial picture. What can the school board do to cut costs, build reserves and avoid the risk of insolvency?

Brouhard voted for the district’s current budget and says it is moving in the right financial direction. She stands by approving “painful layoffs” in the spring and maintaining a $30 million deficit, saying that cutting that much spending now “would be devastating” to the district. She says OUSD can avoid future overspending by cutting “from someplace” when expenditures go up. Where to cut, she says, should be suggested by finance staff.
Fleisher says the district must admit it has a crisis and create a vision to solve it that prioritizes student outcomes. She says recent budget reductions have been haphazard: “We cut literacy specialists when we have a literacy crisis; we cut attendance specialists when we have chronic absenteeism.” To improve student outcomes requires consistency — and funding — for curriculum and professional development, Fleisher says.

Parents and educators are growing increasingly skeptical of technology use in schools. What is your perspective on the district’s current technology policy, and what, if any, changes would you advocate to make?

Brouhard approves of the district’s new bell-to-bell cellphone ban and supports looking at new technology-restricting policies. She says there’s been an “overreliance” on tech use in classrooms, from testing to textbooks, and adds that students are using devices “way too young.” She understands that some students prefer to type rather than write by hand, but says that using pencil and paper exercises “a different way you’re using your brain.”
Fleisher says she’s excited to see movement on the board to rethink school technology use. She believes a new policy shouldn’t be approved until there is community engagement, but adds that “the board’s job is to sometimes do things that are unpopular” while prioritizing student outcomes. She also says if OUSD does partially roll back or restrict the use of district-provided devices, it needs to support teachers who haven’t taught in lower-tech classrooms before.

The past year has seen continuous friction among OUSD board members, distracting from board business and leading to a series of divided votes on important issues. Do you believe that interpersonal dynamics are important to the board’s ability to function, and how would you handle disagreements with other board members?

Brouhard disagrees with the idea that the board does not get along. She says that while there is “one board director who is very difficult to work with,” the body as a whole has been working on their relationships and communication at board retreats. Brouhard says she’s focused on listening when board members have questions about policy, rather than “pummeling somebody with my point of view.”
Fleisher says that differences of opinion on a school board can be a strength, but the current body has a “lot of tension.” In her career in Bay Area transit policy, Fleisher says she’s repeatedly brought siloed agencies together, citing her role in achieving free interagency transit transfers across the Bay Area. She says the key is a common goal, which should be “filtering everything through its impact on student success and well-being.”

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

For Brouhard

  • Richard Barrera, member, San Diego Unified School District Board of Education
  • Nikki Fortunato Bas, supervisor, Alameda County
  • Rob Bonta, California attorney general
  • Alameda Labor Council
  • Oakland Education Association

For Fleisher

  • Ken Berrick, trustee, Alameda County Board of Education 
  • Sam Davis, former member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • L.K. Monroe, former superintendent of schools, Alameda County Office of Education
  • Libby Schaaf, former mayor, Oakland
  • Loren Taylor, former City Council member, Oakland

Oakland Unified School District Board of Education, District 4

Why does this race matter?

Oakland’s school board has been bogged down by infighting, fueling concerns from school principals and county education leaders about its ability to function. With a challenger taking on the board president, who led a slim majority in several controversial votes, the race could signal whether voters — including 16- and 17-year-olds — agree. 

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.

Candidates

Kathryn Camp
Kathryn Camp Public policy professional and public school parent
Mike Hutchinson
Mike HutchinsonMember, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
Sylvia Williams
Sylvia WilliamsFormer adult educator, Oakland Adult and Career Education
 

Positions on Key Issues

Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.

In recent years, Oakland Unified School District has considered closing schools as enrollment declines, but the board has yet to carry out such a plan. Do you believe that a school closure process is necessary, and if so, what would guide your approach as a board member?

Camp says it appears necessary to reduce the district’s number of schools, as OUSD is spreading its resources “very, very thin.” She says currently, too many underenrolled schools don’t get adequate programming and staffing. She says the closure process needs to be guided by restorative justice, since past closures have disproportionately hurt Black and brown communities, as well as logistical research, like transportation and infrastructure constraints.
Hutchinson led the board’s effort to rescind planned school closures in 2023, but he acknowledges the need to have a conversation about whether having “fewer schools” will allow the district to “better resource those schools.” He hopes to reopen the district’s “Redesign, Re-envision, and Restructure” process, which includes possible school closures and mergers. He suggests merging colocated campuses and possibly reimagining some campuses as hubs for early or special education. 
Williams does not think school closures are necessary. She says they wouldn’t save the district a significant amount of money and could lead students to leave OUSD, costing the district more in funding it receives based on the number of students who attend school there. She also says small schools are desirable to families.

Oakland campuses have seen a series of violent incidents in recent years, and the district disbanded its police force in 2020. How should the district approach improving safety on campuses? Do you support introducing either sworn law enforcement officers or metal detectors to campuses, as some parents have called for?

Camp supports OUSD’s efforts to remove law enforcement officers from campuses but says the district lacked a “fulsome transition plan” to approach violence prevention and intervention going forward. She doesn’t support metal detectors or police on campus and says the district should focus on creating a sense of belonging. That includes mental health supports, targeted intervention for at-risk students, peer mentorship and mediation and safety planning.
Hutchinson, who participated in the effort to remove police from Oakland public schools in 2020, doesn’t believe armed officers or metal detectors should be introduced to campuses. He says that having more quality adults, like Culture Keepers, and strong programming will encourage safety, but he adds that schools also need to send a message about what type of behavior won’t be tolerated on campus, with policies like suspensions when necessary.
Williams says having metal detectors on campus “is not a bad idea.” She’s generally opposed to having a law enforcement presence on campus but says if there is evidence showing it could prevent violence, she’s open to reviewing the question. She says the district should increase teacher pay and prioritize retaining principals and teachers, who can form deeper relationships with students and create a sense of belonging on campus, reducing violence.

OUSD has struggled with its budget for decades. Just this fall, it was given a negative credit outlook, despite self-reporting an improving financial picture. What can the school board do to cut costs, build reserves and avoid the risk of insolvency?

Camp says the district is making decisions like it’s “living paycheck to paycheck” instead of developing a long-term strategy based on student outcomes. She says the board should listen to families, teachers and administrators about what they need funding for in their schools, ensure that the district’s budget matches up and plan for the future.
Hutchinson says the board and superintendent need to “tell the truth” that OUSD is in financial crisis. As a former head of the board’s budget committee, he suggests creating a solvency plan that prices out all of the possible ways it could find savings and “matches up those items with the amount of savings we need.” This could include reducing staffing, merging schools or eliminating noncore programming, he says. 
Williams says the district should look to cut costs as far from classrooms as possible, in the district’s central office and third-party contracts — a tactic the district has used in recent years. “I do think there’s still $30 million in cuts that can be made away from schools,” she says. She acknowledges that that could mean cutting positions like clerks or buildings and grounds, forcing others to take on increased workloads.

Parents and educators are growing increasingly skeptical of technology use in schools. What is your perspective on the district’s current technology policy, and what, if any, changes would you advocate to make?

Camp says she is excited to see the board begin to discuss a more robust technology policy and is a “100% advocate for reducing as much as possible” one-to-one device use for students from transitional kindergarten through second grade. She says there are ways that technology can be beneficial and that programming should be used when it is age-appropriate and there is research to back its effectiveness.
Hutchinson abstained from voting on the board’s cellphone ban. He says it passed without community engagement and argues that it would have made more sense to prohibit device use but allow students to maintain access to their phones throughout the day. Still, he says the district needs stricter technology policies and should return to as much offline curriculum as possible. “A pencil and a piece of paper is much better than a keyboard,” he says.
Williams supports the district’s new cellphone ban. She says that students should learn to use technology and artificial intelligence appropriately in school, but that she’s gotten feedback from parents that teachers are using tech too much. She says the district should hire experienced, credentialed teachers “who can deal with differentiating instruction in ways that don’t over-rely on technology.”

The past year has seen continuous friction among OUSD board members, distracting from board business and leading to a series of divided votes on important issues. Do you believe that interpersonal dynamics are important to the board’s ability to function, and how would you handle disagreements with other board members?

Camp believes it is healthy for board members to periodically disagree, but they need to be open-minded and able to compromise. She says she learned working in regulatory affairs that when dealing with stakeholders who have different priorities, it’s important to have a shared goal — in this case, student outcomes. “The whole reason why this board is here … is to focus on students, and they’ve been forgotten,” she says.
Hutchinson blames the board’s division on current leadership, calling the board majority — led by the president and vice president — “four directors who have hijacked our district.” He says such division was not a problem before this leadership was elected, and that he’s proud to have passed legislation with a number of directors he disagrees with. “It's about finding a way to move things forward, finding that commonality,” he says.
Williams says interpersonal strife makes it difficult to pass policy and creates a sense of chaos, even when the board is functioning. She says she prides herself on being able to work with people across political and educational perspectives, and that the board can reach consensus by centering the needs of students.

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

For Camp

  • Elihu Harris, former mayor, Oakland
  • Jody London, former member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Gary Yee, former president, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Building & Construction Trades Council of Alameda County

For Hutchinson

  • Patrice Berry, member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Dan Kalb, former City Council member, Oakland City Council
  • Loren Taylor, former City Council member, Oakland City Council
  • Clifford Thompson, member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Charlene Wang, City Council member, Oakland

For Williams

  • Jean Quan, former mayor, Oakland, and former president, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Dante Ruiz, former principal, Oakland Unified School District
  • Sayuri Valenza, teacher and executive board member, Oakland Education Association

Oakland Unified School District Board of Education, District 6

Why does this race matter?

Oakland’s school board has been bogged down by infighting, fueling concerns from school principals and county education leaders about its ability to function. With a challenger taking on the board president, who led a slim majority in several controversial votes, the race could signal whether voters — including 16- and 17-year-olds — agree. 

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.

Candidates

Valarie Bachelor
Valarie BachelorVice president, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
LeAna Powell
LeAna PowellFamily advocate and public school parent
Alexandra Williams
Alexandra WilliamsTeacher, AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District
 

Positions on Key Issues

Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.

In recent years, Oakland Unified School District has considered closing schools as enrollment declines, but the board has yet to carry out such a plan. Do you believe that a school closure process is necessary, and if so, what would guide your approach as a board member?

Bachelor doesn’t believe school closures are necessary. She says no amount of closures would net the savings needed to make up this year’s shortfall or the district’s structural deficit. She also believes closures lead to enrollment losses and credits the district’s recent small enrollment increases to the fact that OUSD hasn’t closed schools in four years. She says the district’s empty properties need to be repurposed before any more are vacated.
Powell says OUSD needs to consider all options, including closing schools, to handle its budget crisis and long-running enrollment decline. If schools are closed, Powell says OUSD needs to explain why and address problems that could crop up for underserved communities, like displacing families who rely on walking to their school because of limited transportation options. 
Williams says closing schools might be necessary. She says that as someone who has been on a leadership team that closed a school and lost her job because of it, she knows “it’s not an easy decision.” In the process, Williams says she will focus on ensuring that socioeconomically disadvantaged schools don’t bear the brunt of the closures just because they have been historically underresourced.

Oakland campuses have seen a series of violent incidents in recent years, and the district disbanded its police force in 2020. How should the district approach improving safety on campuses? Do you support introducing either sworn law enforcement officers or metal detectors to campuses, as some parents have called for?

Bachelor does not support law enforcement officers or metal detectors on campuses. She says it's important for all students and staff members to feel safe and adds that the district needs “actual strategies” to support students, like the district’s life coaches, violence interrupters and gender-based violence interrupters.
Powell is opposed to police and metal detectors on campuses. “I don't think it's a place for children to thrive when you have to worry about your safety, and for Black and brown folks in this community, [seeing] police is not safe,” she says. Powell believes OUSD can improve safety through family engagement and intervention programs, representation for historically marginalized groups and “serious psychological check[s]” for educators before they’re put in positions to impact students.
Williams does not support sworn law enforcement officers or metal detectors in schools. She says the way to improve safety is to create an environment that supports people who have historically been underserved and unsupported and to recruit a staff that reflects the student body. “They need to be able to see themselves … [in the people] who are administrators, who are teachers, because those are the people who build relationships with them,” Williams says.

OUSD has struggled with its budget for decades. Just this fall, it was given a negative credit outlook, despite self-reporting an improving financial picture. What can the school board do to cut costs, build reserves and avoid the risk of insolvency?

Bachelor voted to approve the district’s 2025-26 budget and a fiscal stability plan that included $41 million in reductions. She says the board should continue the work it’s been doing and ensure that approved spending cuts are implemented. Bachelor is also focused on increasing revenue through raising enrollment and average daily attendance and expanding transitional kindergarten. As chair of the facilities committee, Bachelor says she’s also championed solar panel contracts that will save schools money.
Powell believes OUSD’s budget problem stems from overspending rather than underfunding. She says the district shouldn’t give large raises to one group of workers without considering all employees and should resume the search for a “competent superintendent.” She does not agree with the district’s decision to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for contractors to help with the budget process. 
Williams says the board needs to ensure that the district’s budget is tied to a strategic plan to meet set student outcome goals. She says the board seems to be operating without that and is “becoming lost in the wilderness.” Williams wants to assess the effectiveness of current OUSD resources and cut those that aren’t improving student outcomes. Resources that benefit the district’s finances and achievement, like attendance specialists, should be restored, she says.

Parents and educators are growing increasingly skeptical of technology use in schools. What is your perspective on the district’s current technology policy, and what, if any, changes would you advocate to make?

Bachelor says technology is an important tool, but screen time should be limited in younger grades. She recognizes that some students were upset by how limited the community engagement process was before the board passed its bell-to-bell cellphone ban in June and says she wants to “engage with our students” on any forthcoming technology policies.
Powell says that technology can level the playing field for families and is a tool that OUSD should teach students to use. She acknowledges that social media apps can distract children but says that issue should be handled through management by teachers and parents. “If parents have the tools that they need to be able to monitor their children … and they can put barriers, I think that's a parent's job,” she says.
Williams supports decreasing the use of technology in classrooms but cautions that it needs to be a gradual process. As an educator, she’s watched testing and grade reporting, among other things, move online and recognizes that newer teachers have never taught without tech tools. “All of this transition happened over time, so the repeal is something that has to be an over-time plan,” Williams says.

The past year has seen continuous friction among OUSD board members, distracting from board business and leading to a series of divided votes on important issues. Do you believe that interpersonal dynamics are important to the board’s ability to function, and how would you handle disagreements with other board members?

Bachelor says interpersonal dynamics are crucial to the board’s working relationship. When she was elected as vice president last year, Bachelor says she reached out to each of her board colleagues to set up meetings. She says she “wanted to open [her] door” to conversations, but “not all have entered.” She hopes her board colleagues will “be as cooperative as they can as we’re thinking about the future of OUSD.”
Powell says interpersonal dynamics on the board are part of why she is running her campaign. She says “there needs to be honesty” on the board and adds that the community and board members feel disrespected when that’s not the case. She says she’s a passionate person, and “it will be unrealistic to say that it wouldn’t invoke any emotion” if she saw other board members vote in ways that she feels harm kids. 
Williams says she’s dealt with difficult interpersonal dynamics in the past — “they’re called students.” As a leader, she says she tries to think about how to build strong relationships and manage the energy in a room, not control the opinions of the people in it. She says current dynamics are “distracting us from the kids that we were supposed to be here to help support.”

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

For Bachelor

  • Tony Thurmond, state superintendent of public instruction, California
  • International Association of Firefighters Local 55: Oakland Firefighters
  • John George Democratic Club
  • Rob Bonta, California attorney general
  • Working Families Party

For Powell

  • Patrice Berry, member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Sam Davis, former member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Mike Hutchinson, member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Nate Miley, supervisor, Alameda County
  • Loren Taylor, former City Council member, Oakland

For Williams

  • Toni Cook, former member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • Jody London, former member, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education
  • L.K. Monroe, former superintendent, Alameda County Office of Education
  • Gary Yee, former president, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education

Pleasanton Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 5

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Thomas Choi, Attorney/Parent

  • “Restoring legal compliance, fiscal stability, and genuine community engagement.”

Brett Gerald Martinez, Business Owner

  • No response received.

Karen Fletcher, Teacher/Parent

  • “Maintain school excellence
    Increase fiscal transparency
    Increase safety for students and staff”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • ChoiSupport
  • FletcherOppose
  • MartinezNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • ChoiSupport
  • FletcherSupport
  • MartinezNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • ChoiOppose
  • FletcherOppose
  • MartinezNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • ChoiOppose
  • FletcherOppose
  • MartinezNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • ChoiSupport
  • FletcherOppose
  • MartinezNo response

Sunol Glen Unified School District Governing Board Member

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.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Gagandeep Bassi, Parent/Cybersecurity Professional

  • “Education”

Karen Ruth Newcomb, Retired Investment Strategist

  • “Transparent / efficient Bond use; optimal enrollment; ensure all students achieve / exceed standards”

Jennifer Kavouniaris, Businesswoman/Grandmother

  • “Put students first, strengthen academics, protect parents, and demand fiscal accountability”

Rene Turnbull, Retired College Dean

  • “My priorities are student success and a safe, caring and fiscally responsible learning environment.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • BassiSupport
  • KavouniarisSupport
  • NewcombNo response
  • TurnbullNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • BassiSupport
  • KavouniarisSupport
  • NewcombNo response
  • TurnbullNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • BassiSupport
  • KavouniarisOppose
  • NewcombNo response
  • TurnbullNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • BassiOppose
  • KavouniarisSupport
  • NewcombNo response
  • TurnbullNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

 An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • BassiSupport
  • KavouniarisOppose
  • NewcombNo response
  • TurnbullNo response
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