Alameda 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 two candidates win seat. This result reflects redistributed votes. The results of the instant runoff will change as more first-choice votes are counted.
Dayna Inkeles36.9%
2,569.008 votes
Veronica Davidson(incumbent)34.2%
2,383 votes
Jolene Gazmen28.7%
1,997.539 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top three candidates win seat.
Michael Malione31.4%
4,375 votes
Max Roman26.4%
3,678 votes
Susy Struble25.6%
3,576 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Hector Garcia74.5%
20,349 votes
Luis Reynoso
(incumbent)25.4%
6,944 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Maria L Heredia (incumbent)67.5%
26,185 votes
Joseph Grcar32.4%
12,579 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Paulina Gonzalez(incumbent)64.8%
14,082 votes
Sinead Geneva Anderson35.1%
7,628 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Ralph Lee White52.9%
36 votes
Shelly Stoll Swanson47%
32 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Samuel Anderson39.7%
27 votes
Julie D. Kay33.8%
23 votes
Dan Wright26.4%
18 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Catalina Piña64%
41 votes
Rosario Patrick35.9%
23 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
To three candidates win seat.
Heather Little(incumbent)28.7%
21,985 votes
Jennifer Williams(incumbent)28.4%
21,804 votes
Meleah Hall28%
21,482 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Mike Kusiak(incumbent)72.7%
3,397 votes
John Chung27.2%
1,272 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Kristian Reyes60.1%
3,067 votes
Ramnath “Ram” Shanbhogue39.8%
2,034 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top two candidates win seat.
Elsie Joyce Lee43.5%
2,651 votes
John T. Van Geffen(incumbent)31.1%
1,899 votes
Brian Donahue13.6%
832 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Rinu Nair50%
6,606 votes
Ganesh Balamitran49.9%
6,580 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top three candidates win seat.
Simon “Peter” Gutierrez Bufete(incumbent)18.2%
21,408 votes
Sara Prada(incumbent)16.8%
19,824 votes
Austin Bruckner Carrillo15.9%
18,762 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
David A. Pombo(incumbent)78.9%
60 votes
Surekha Shekar21%
16 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top two candidates win seat. Includes votes from Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Deena Kaplanis24%
15,817 votes
Christiaan Vandenheuvel23.1%
15,223 votes
Maggie Tufts22.6%
14,895 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Patricio R. Urbi46%
2,094 votes
Jatinder (JP) K. Sahi27.2%
1,239 votes
Midji Kuo-Rovetta26.6%
1,214 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Melanie Freeberg65.8%
2,928 votes
Michelle Parnala34.1%
1,520 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Michael Gonzales(incumbent)62.5%
3,269 votes
Lydia Idem37.4%
1,960 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top three candidates win seat.
Aiden Hill(incumbent)23.5%
7,728 votes
Austin Block23.2%
7,622 votes
Gabriel Anguiano Jr.22.6%
7,435 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Kelly Mokashi(incumbent)55.7%
3,959 votes
Donalyn Harris44.2%
3,142 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Charlie Jones52.3%
3,638 votes
Jen Flynn47.6%
3,309 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Alicia Gonzalez63.7%
2,363 votes
Penny Peck36.2%
1,341 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Erin Choin58.2%
369 votes
Ryan Jergensen41.7%
264 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top two candidates win seat.
Jen Corn36.3%
30,836 votes
Ana Vasudeo(incumbent)30.3%
25,743 votes
Laura Babitt(incumbent)26%
22,061 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Rachel Latta77.8%
22,409 votes
Benjamin Salop22.1%
6,385 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
VanCedric Williams(incumbent)55.2%
10,930 votes
Dwayne Aikens Jr.44.7%
8,847 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Patrice Berry53.6%
6,463 votes
Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez46.3%
5,578 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Top candidate wins seat.
Clifford Thompson(incumbent)62.8%
7,776 votes
Domonic Ware37.1%
4,590 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Albany Board of Education
This is a ranked choice election. If two candidates do not each receive more than 1/3 of first-choice votes, an instant runoff will take place. Candidates with the fewest first-choice votes are eliminated and voters who ranked them first have their next-ranked choices redistributed until two candidates each receive more than 1/3 of votes.
Ranked Choice Results
Top two candidates win seat. This result reflects redistributed votes. The results of the instant runoff will change as more first-choice votes are counted.
Dayna Inkeles36.9%
2,569.008 votes
Veronica Davidson(incumbent)34.2%
2,383 votes
Jolene Gazmen28.7%
1,997.539 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
First-Choice Votes
Top two candidates win seat. This result only reflects voters’ first-choice candidate. If votes are redistributed in an instant runoff, they are not reflected in this result.
Veronica Davidson(incumbent)39%
2,773 votes
Dayna Inkeles27.7%
1,972 votes
Jolene Gazmen23%
1,633 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Veronica Davidson
- Albany Board of Education Member
- Accomplishments: “During my previous term the board reopened schools, navigated construction and passed Measure G which limited the amount of budget cuts required.”
- Experience: “I have served as President of the Board for two years during which time meetings have met their recommended 180 minute limit, board reports have become focused on committees and school sites, and presentations have been made more informative and succinct.”
- Communication: “There have been new district practices that have increased communication with the community.”
Jolene Gazmen
- Registered behavior technician
- Experience: “I also work as a Registered Behavior Technician, helping children with autism learn different social and practical skills through naturalistic teachings.”
- AUSD: “I am excited to help others navigate and become more knowledgeable about AUSD overall.”
- Collaboration: “As a Board of Education Member, I am seeking to make sure that all the diverse voices within our schools feel heard.”
Brian L. Doss
- Account executive
- Education: “I want an education system that encourages intellectual growth and critical thinking.”
- Independent Thinking: “Children should learn how to think independently, not just what to think. It’s vital that education remains a place where students can grow and dream.”
- Inclusivity: “We must protect our children’s educational environment from bias and promote diversity and inclusion of all.”
Dayna Inkeles
- Project manager
- Experience: “I have served as Auction Chair at two schools, room parent and Albany Middle School PTA President. I am very familiar with our schools and how to support students, teachers and staff.”
- Mental Health: “I want to work with you to continue Albany’s legacy of academic excellence, while balancing critical non-academic needs such as mental health.”
- Priorities: “Accountability, transparency and inclusivity are the values that will guide my service.”
Piedmont Board of Education
Top three candidates win seat.
Michael Malione31.4%
4,375 votes
Max Roman26.4%
3,678 votes
Susy Struble25.6%
3,576 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Michael Malione
- Parent/math instructor
- Experience: “As co-president of ALPS (Advancing Learning for Piedmont Students) since 2020, I’ve promoted initiatives to ignite student curiosity and nurture individual growth. I have also directly tutored many PUSD students in math and science.”
- Curricula: “I have reviewed curricular proposals to evaluate their academic effectiveness.”
- Priorities: “As a member of the Board of Education, I will work tirelessly to ensure your student receives a solid education in a diverse, open, and welcoming environment.”
Victoria Rosenbaum
- Educator/parent
- Experience: “A California certified K-8 teacher with over 30 years of experience in San Francisco, Piedmont, Alameda and Oakland schools.”
- Education: “I’m running for the School Board because I believe in the power of education to transform lives.”
- Priorities: “My mission is to ensure that every child in our district receives a well-rounded education in a healthy learning environment.”
Max Roman
- Small-business owner
- Academic Outcome: “I’m running for school board… to ensure positive academic outcomes for all children in the district.”
- Inclusivity: “To make sure all students and families are welcomed into the Piedmont community and made to feel that they belong.”
- Experience: “I now run my own small business advising startups… I have been active in the Piedmont Education Foundation as a member of the board and executive committee member.”
Susy Struble
- Technology director/parent
- Priorities: “To create a district that helps all students reach their personal and academic potential with health, curiosity, and joy.”
- Accomplishments: “Bringing parents together to recommend an elementary bell schedule that protected library and the arts; streamlining parent communications at Wildwood; bringing many of our town’s parent affinity groups together to draft a recommended ‘playbook’ for handling challenging student behavior.”
- Experience: “My professional career has focused on incorporating public interest needs in software development, with positions from chief to staff to public policy and engineering.”
Chabot – Las Positas Community College District, Trustee Area 1
Top candidate wins seat.
Hector Garcia74.5%
20,349 votes
Luis Reynoso
(incumbent)25.4%
6,944 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Hector Garcia
- Public school educator
- Experience: “For nearly 30 years, I have served our Hayward community as an educator, administrator, and community leader. In my role, I have developed an expertise in public education with a lifelong commitment to serving the needs of our diverse student community.”
- Priorities: “As trustee, I will prioritize student success, college and career pathways, increasing student enrollment, and advocating for additional student funding.”
- Career Readiness: “I will support more student outreach to access higher education and skilled workforce careers.”
- www.garciaforchabot-laspositastrustee.com
Luis Reynoso
- Chabot – Las Positas Community College District Trustee, Area 1
- Statement pending or not available.
Chabot – Las Positas Community College District, Trustee Area 4
Top candidate wins seat.
Maria L Heredia (incumbent)67.5%
26,185 votes
Joseph Grcar32.4%
12,579 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Joseph Grcar
- Retired laboratory scientist
- Statement pending or not available.
Maria L. Heredia
- Chabot – Las Positas Community College District Trustee, Area 4
- Statement pending or not available.
Peralta Community College District, Trustee Area 2
Top candidate wins seat.
Paulina Gonzalez(incumbent)64.8%
14,082 votes
Sinead Geneva Anderson35.1%
7,628 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Sinead Geneva Anderson
- Educator
- Statement pending or not available.
Paulina Gonzalez
- Peralta Community College District Trustee, Area 2
- Experience: “In my tenure as trustee, I have been a consensus builder and in December 2023 I was elected president of the board … As a trustee, I’ve been working to knock down barriers for students of color in East Oakland who have long been ignored or excluded by traditional institutions.”
- Economic Justice: “I’ve dedicated more than 20 years of my life to leading economic justice organizing campaigns to expand worker rights, immigrant rights, and the rights of low-income and underrepresented communities of color.”
- Community Colleges: “Community colleges are a key point of entry for young people looking to make their way and older workers looking to advance their earnings and careers through job training.”
San Joaquin Delta Community College District, Trustee Area 1
Top candidate wins seat.
Ralph Lee White52.9%
36 votes
Shelly Stoll Swanson47%
32 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Shelly Stoll Swanson
- Homemaker/mother
- Statement pending or not available.
Ralph Lee White
- Businessman
- Statement pending or not available.
San Joaquin Delta Community College District, Trustee Area 2
Top candidate wins seat.
Samuel Anderson39.7%
27 votes
Julie D. Kay33.8%
23 votes
Dan Wright26.4%
18 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Samuel Anderson
- CEO/business executive
- Statement pending or not available.
Dan Wright
- School superintendent
- Statement pending or not available.
Julie D. Kay
- Retired nursing dean
- Statement pending or not available.
San Joaquin Delta Community College District, Trustee Area 6
Top candidate wins seat.
Catalina Piña64%
41 votes
Rosario Patrick35.9%
23 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Rosario Patrick
- Information technology architect
- Statement pending or not available.
Catalina Piña
- Teacher
- Statement pending or not available.
Alameda Unified School District Governing Board
To three candidates win seat.
Heather Little(incumbent)28.7%
21,985 votes
Jennifer Williams(incumbent)28.4%
21,804 votes
Meleah Hall28%
21,482 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Joyce Boyd
- Certified public accountant
- Experience: “Chair of the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee and serve on the board of the Citywide PTA Council. These efforts enabled me to draw on my finance, communication, and policy skills as a CPA who’s worked with community organizations for more than 20 years.”
- Teachers: “AUSD must also better support teachers and staff on-site, providing the resources they need. As a member of the board, I’ll work to make that happen.”
- Education: “The only thing that lifted me out of poverty was the public school education I received. It enabled me to go to college, while working, and become the first in my family with a college degree.”
- www.joyce4ausd.com
Heather Little
- Alameda Unified School District Governing Board Member
- Experience: “I spent more than a decade in local politics, volunteering, and civic engagement. My background in mental health, early childhood, and special education has served me well during my first term on the Board.”
- Accessibility: “I understand how important it is that children of all backgrounds and abilities are supported to thrive.”
- Problem Solving: “Over the last 3.5 years, I have brought meaningful and collaborative problem-solving skills to board discussions.”
Meleah Hall
- Teacher/data analyst
- Experience: “With over two decades of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to teaching K–12 students in both general and special education settings.”
- STEM: “I am a strong advocate for STEM education, understanding its crucial role in preparing students for the future.”
- Student Outcomes: “I continuously strive to integrate data-driven approaches into education to enhance student outcomes.”
Jennifer Williams
- Alameda Unified School District Governing Board Member
- Mental Health: “During my tenure … we have developed strong community partnerships to provide mental health services and targeted interventions to keep students healthy so they can learn to their full potential.”
- Curricula: “I supported curriculum upgrades in math, social studies, and ethnic studies and for the first time, literacy rates for African American students are improving.”
- Enrollment: “Enrollment is up, chronic absenteeism is down, and we exited state oversight for the overidentification of children of color for special education services.”
Castro Valley Unified School District Governing Board, Area 5
Top candidate wins seat.
Mike Kusiak(incumbent)72.7%
3,397 votes
John Chung27.2%
1,272 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
John Chung
- Small-business owner
- Community Involvement: “I am a firm believer in community involvement and civic engagement.”
- Experience: “My most recent service included serving three years on the board of directors at San Lorenzo Village HOA … implementing/enforcing CC&Rs, helping residents with problems on communal matters, working in conjunction with government agencies to enhance community welfare and development.”
- Priorities: “I believe in education, transparency, and equality, and am both committed and looking forward to bringing these values to the Board as one who has proven leadership and dedication to our communities.”
Mike Kusiak
- Castro Valley Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 5
- Curricula: “I am proud that CVUSD provides strong fundamental skills in reading, math, and science. We are growing access to world languages. CVUSD champions excellent art, music and athletic programs as well as strong career pathways.”
- School Bonds: “I have long been an advocate for our schools, including leading the Measure G bond campaign to success. Thanks to that, CVUSD was able to make significant infrastructure investments.”
- Experience: “My over 20-year career in public higher education prepared me to be effective on the school board, where legislative and policy analysis are essential.”
- www.kusiakforcastrovalley.com
Dublin Unified School District Governing Board, Area 1
Top candidate wins seat.
Kristian Reyes60.1%
3,067 votes
Ramnath “Ram” Shanbhogue39.8%
2,034 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Kristian Reyes
- Sales representative/parent
- Education: “My goal is to ensure all students have access to a high-quality, well-rounded education, which will prepare them for life after high school as lifelong learners and contributing members of society.”
- Collaboration: “While making sure to listen to and consider opinions from all of the district’s stakeholders, I intend to make decisions using a pragmatic approach and prioritize the district’s long-term goals.”
- Budget: “I have managed multiple small businesses as well as profit centers at Fortune 500 corporations with budgets over $100 million.”
Ramnath “Ram” Shanbhogue
- Engineering director/father
Education: “As a parent of two kids in Dublin schools, I understand the issues deeply and am committed to ensuring that every student’s well-being and learning experience remains at the forefront of the school board’s decisions.” - Collaboration: “I will champion open dialogue, respect, transparency, and collaboration to address challenges head-on.”
- Budget: “Proactive fiscal management is essential and drawing from my 20 years of technology leadership experience in both small and large organizations, I will work diligently to address budget deficits while safeguarding educational quality.”
- https://www.ram4dusdboard.com
Emery Unified School District Governing Board
Top two candidates win seat.
Elsie Joyce Lee43.5%
2,651 votes
John T. Van Geffen(incumbent)31.1%
1,899 votes
Brian Donahue13.6%
832 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Brian Donahue
- Builder/journalist
- Statement pending or not available.
Walter Pizarro
- Payroll accountant
- Statement pending or not available.
Elsie Joyce Lee
- Parent
- Statement pending or not available.
John T. Van Geffen
- Emery Unified School District Governing Board Member
- Statement pending or not available.
Fremont Unified School District Governing Board, Area 4
Top candidate wins seat.
Rinu Nair50%
6,606 votes
Ganesh Balamitran49.9%
6,580 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Ganesh Balamitran
- Marketing manager/parent
- Experience: “I volunteer on the Fremont Unified School District Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Task Force. I also serve on the board of Vibha, a nonprofit organization helping underprivileged children in India and the U.S.”
- Education: “I believe that public schools are the bedrock of society, and I want to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest quality education in our Fremont public schools.”
- Priorities: “As a board member, I will focus on developing a nurturing environment where every child feels like they belong, invest in our classrooms to create the foundation for every child’s success and bring our Fremont community together to address our challenges.”
- www.ganesh4fusd.com
Rinu Nair
- Student
- Priorities: “I will prioritize student safety, wellness, and quality of education by collaborating with teachers, students, parents, and administrators.”
- Mental Health: “As chair of the FUSD Wellness Committee, I successfully integrated mental health into district guidelines, introduced new languages, and established wellness gardens.”
- Budget: “I will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent prudently by FUSD.”
- www.rinu4fusd.com
Hayward Unified School District Governing Board
Top three candidates win seat.
Simon “Peter” Gutierrez Bufete(incumbent)18.2%
21,408 votes
Sara Prada(incumbent)16.8%
19,824 votes
Austin Bruckner Carrillo15.9%
18,762 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Austin Bruckner Carrillo
- Community outreach director
- Priorities: “I will ensure parents are engaged in decision-making, support programs including special education, and keep resources in our classrooms to prepare all students to thrive in 21st century careers.”
- Housing: “I know what it’s like to struggle to learn while facing housing insecurity — just like hundreds of Hayward Unified School District students. I’ve crafted legislation to strengthen tenant protections.”
- School Programs: “As chair of the city of Hayward’s Community Services Commission, I helped secure over $2 million to fund arts, health, and social service programs for students.”
- www.abc4husd.com
Simon “Peter” Gutierrez Bufete
- Hayward Unified School District Governing Board Member
Experience: “As the only candidate who has served as board president, my two-year tenure has led to numerous achievements … With over a decade of public service, including roles as a Hayward Library Commissioner and a Board member for the Hayward Education Foundation.”
Libraries: “I’ve worked to enhance our community, including helping to bring a state-of-the-art library to Downtown Hayward.”
Priorities: “I’m committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our students and teachers, fostering an equitable learning environment, and maintaining fiscal responsibility.” - www.peterbufete4hayward.com
Lammersville Joint Unified School District Governing Board, Area 1
Top candidate wins seat.
David A. Pombo(incumbent)78.9%
60 votes
Surekha Shekar21%
16 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
David A. Pombo
- Lammersville Joint Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 1
- Statement pending or not available.
Surekha Shekar
- Mother/businesswoman/educator
- Statement pending or not available.
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Governing Board
Top two candidates win seat. Includes votes from Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Deena Kaplanis24%
15,817 votes
Christiaan Vandenheuvel23.1%
15,223 votes
Maggie Tufts22.6%
14,895 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.”
New Haven Unified School District Governing Board, Area 1
Top candidate wins seat.
Patricio R. Urbi46%
2,094 votes
Jatinder (JP) K. Sahi27.2%
1,239 votes
Midji Kuo-Rovetta26.6%
1,214 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Midji Kuo-Rovetta
- Accountant/mother
- Experience: “I have a master’s in accounting and financial management and have been running my accounting and bookkeeping consulting business for fifteen years. I have volunteered as an educator/coordinator of the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program for about eight years.”
- Career Readiness: “I will initiate career skill-based education as part of high school credit to graduate and build a coalition with the local community and businesses to make this happen.”
- Curricula: “I will emphasize basic education in reading, writing, and math, including life-skills programs.”
- www.midji4nhusd.com
Patricio R. Urbi
- Retired teacher
- Experience: “I have overseen and evaluated school staff, responded to community concerns, and coordinated various academic and intervention programs. I have managed budgets, facilitated staff development, and ensured compliance with district policies and have contributed to the success of educational initiatives.”
- Equity: “I am committed to promoting educational equity, fostering collaboration among educational partners, and ensuring that every student has access to quality education and support services.”
- Priorities: “I aim to enact meaningful change and empower students, families, and educators alike.”
Jatinder (JP) K. Sahi
- Parent/nonprofit CEO
- Education: “I recognize the transformative power of education. I’m running for school board to champion high-quality education for all students.”
- Experience: “My leadership experience equips me to advocate effectively for our teachers, engage families, and prioritize student success.”
- Equity: “Let’s work together to build a brighter, more equitable future for our children.”
New Haven Unified School District Governing Board, Area 2
Top candidate wins seat.
Melanie Freeberg65.8%
2,928 votes
Michelle Parnala34.1%
1,520 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Melanie Freeberg
- Small business owner
- Collaboration: “I believe we can work together to form a partnership between community members and elected officials to give all of our students a brighter future.”
- Priorities: “My priorities include providing opportunities for every student to reach their full potential, striving for safe and inclusive classrooms, and allocating resources in an equitable manner.”
- Student-First: “Imagine a school district where students and the classroom come first. A world where our city government and school district work together to better serve all of our families.”
Michelle Parnala
- Probation officer
- Statement pending or not available.
New Haven Unified School District Governing Board, Area 3
Top candidate wins seat.
Michael Gonzales(incumbent)62.5%
3,269 votes
Lydia Idem37.4%
1,960 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Michael Gonzales
- New Haven Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 3
- Experience: “I have a long background in education with over 19 years of classroom experience and earned the Cesar Chavez Award for exemplary teaching in 2009.”
- Collaboration: “I have a long track record of working as a collaborative, empowering partner with my community and strongly believe all education stakeholders need to have a voice at the table.”
- Priorities: “My sole purpose for running is to help elevate and maintain our fellow educators, students, and families to find real solutions to our ever-changing educational challenges. In these difficult times, we need to elect leaders that will prioritize how our district spends our precious tax dollars.”
Lydia Idem
- Parent/investment adviser
- Statement pending or not available.
Newark Unified School District Governing Board
Top three candidates win seat.
Aiden Hill(incumbent)23.5%
7,728 votes
Austin Block23.2%
7,622 votes
Gabriel Anguiano Jr.22.6%
7,435 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Gabriel Anguiano Jr.
- Educator/parent
- Experience: “Throughout my two decade journey in education, I’ve been deeply involved in the local educational system. This experience has equipped me with the tools, knowledge, and passion necessary to advocate for our students and their futures as lifelong learners.”
- Curricula: “I strongly believe that our schools need to offer better STEAM courses and state-of-the-art facilities that create a supportive learning environment.”
- Teachers: “Recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers is essential to achieving this goal. Every student in NUSD deserves educators who are dedicated and passionate about their success.”
Aiden Hill
- Newark Unified School District Governing Board Member
- Experience: “I have spent more than 26 years helping companies turn around failing efforts and achieve success.”
- Corruption: “I have been working tirelessly to sweep corruption from our district. Although it has often been a dirty business, we have made significant progress.”
- Priorities: “We are now poised to take NUSD to the next level, with a new high performing team and culture committed to measurable goals around academic achievement (including STEM and career training), school safety, community engagement, and financial health.”
- www.aiden4nusd.org
Phuong Nguyen
- Newark Unified School District Governing Board Member
- Priorities: “The necessary work of improving and expanding policies that drive and prioritize safety, high quality academic programs, hiring and retaining exceptional leaders, teachers, administrators and staff are both challenging and rewarding.”
- Student Achievement: “I want to ensure that student achievement is and continues to be our highest priority with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, along with creating safe and fun learning environments at every school site and all grade levels.”
- Education: “I strongly believe that public education builds resilient, compassionate, creative, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
Austin Block
- Social science teacher
- Experience: “I am a high school history, economics, and government teacher with more than seven years of experience in San José and Fremont schools. Before beginning my teaching career, I earned a BA in Public Policy and an MA in Secondary Social Science Education from Stanford University.”
- Priorities: “Newark Unified is facing significant challenges when it comes to the structural deficit, declining enrollment, and teacher and staff shortages, but I will give my best effort to help the district navigate these difficulties.”
- Staff Turnover: “I will focus on reducing staff turnover, building morale, and seeking new ways for the district to increase its total revenue.”
Vikas Minglani
- Father/AI technologist
- Experience: “Over 25 years of technology experience in the region. A strong background in technology and smart data-driven solutions.”
- Priorities: “Equal access to education for all children irrespective of their background, transparency in education, focus on healthy student-centered decision making, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment, boosting special programs like tutoring and after-school, and forever honoring and keeping our spirit and values.”
- Collaboration: “My goals are to listen, research, and use my experiences as a leader, a community member, and a father to govern in a way that will unite and support students, faculty, and the residents of Newark.”
Pleasanton Unified School District Governing Board, Area 3
Top candidate wins seat.
Kelly Mokashi(incumbent)55.7%
3,959 votes
Donalyn Harris44.2%
3,142 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Donalyn Harris
- Parent/sales coordinator
- Experience: “Twenty-four years of raising kids in Pleasanton schools has taught me a lot, and whether celebrating triumph or suffering heartbreak, our community always shows our ability to find common ground, moving forward by finding a path that we can all travel together.”
- Conflict Resolution: “Candidates who want your vote will promise to fight for you. If necessary, I certainly would, but I first and foremost promise to wake up every day and work to resolve conflicts so we don’t have to fight.”
- Community: “We all want the same thing — a healthy community, where each student finishes school prepared for where they go next.”
- www.harrisforpleasanton.com
Kelly Mokashi
- Pleasanton Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 3
- Experience: “This job requires me to utilize my 29 years in education and my double M.Ed. in Administration (Rutgers) and Curriculum with Administrative Credentials to advance the education of our students.”
- Budget: “I support sustainable fiscal policies and bond oversight.”
- Covid Recovery: “I am keenly aware of the long-term effects of the pandemic and the urgent need for improving strategies for learning recovery.”
- www.votekellypusd.com
Pleasanton Unified School District Governing Board, Area 4
Top candidate wins seat.
Charlie Jones52.3%
3,638 votes
Jen Flynn47.6%
3,309 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Jen Flynn
- Parent/community volunteer
- Experience: “For the past 14 years, I’ve proudly invested my time and energy into advancing the needs of Pleasanton students and teachers … Longtime volunteer, parent of three PUSD students, past PTA president, and former Hearst Elementary School administrative assistant.”
- School Bonds: “Currently, I serve … as vice-chair for the Superintendent’s Budget Advisory Committee.”
- Priorities: “Ensure that our students excel, that the school district continues to exceed expectations, and that every dollar is used efficiently to benefit our students.”
- www.votejenflynn.com
Charlie Jones
- Teacher/department chair
- Experience: “As Social Studies Department chair, I’ve boosted AP enrollment, resolved budget crises, and created supportive environments for every student. As a union leader, I’ve fought hard to stop school closures, empower families, and improve campus working conditions.”
- Budget: “Pleasanton Unified has mismanaged our tax dollars, endangering student services. I’ll pursue new funding sources and implement a responsible budget.”
- Collaboration: “I’ll keep parents, school employees, and community members involved in Pleasanton Unified’s decisions through newsletters and outreach events.”
- www.charlieforschoolboard.com
San Lorenzo Unified School District Governing Board, Area 5
Top candidate wins seat.
Alicia Gonzalez63.7%
2,363 votes
Penny Peck36.2%
1,341 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Alicia Gonzalez
- San Lorenzo Unified School District Governing Board Member
- Statement pending or not available.
Penny Peck
- San Lorenzo Unified School District Governing Board Member
- Literacy: “Half of the students in the San Lorenzo school district read below grade level, so I hope to continue as a board member to use my skills as a children’s literature professor to help address that issue.”
- Priorities: “I believe our schools need to decrease class sizes, update our school buildings with green technology, support expanded science and fine arts programs, and celebrate all our children who reflect many different cultures.”
- Collaboration: “I offer a collaborative, common-sense approach to problem solving and working with administrators, teachers, parents, and other board members.”
Race to Watch
Sunol Glen School Board
Top candidate wins seat.
Erin Choin58.2%
369 votes
Ryan Jergensen41.7%
264 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda County
Why does this race matter?
Last July, residents of Sunol recalled two members of the school board. The winner of this race replaces an interim board member from the county’s Department of Education. This race is sort of a recall 2.0: It pits a recall campaign leader against one of the recalled school board members who is trying to reclaim his seat.
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
Erin ChoinSubstitute teacher
Ryan JergensenFormer board member, Sunol Glen Unified School District
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 Choin
- Cheryl Cook-Kallio, trustee, Sunol Glen Unified School District, and president, Alameda County Board of Education
- Connie De Grange, chair, Sunol Citizens Advisory Council
- Alex Lee, state Assembly member
For Jergensen
- One Sunol
- Deborah McQueen, self employed
- Michelle Bird, OKC Endo
Positions on Key IssuesCandidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.
Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.
In July, two school board members were recalled in a contentious recall. How has recall impacted your decision to run for school board?
Choin says helping lead the recall gave her a chance to meet and talk with a broad swath of people invested in the Sunol Glen School District, from parents who live in the community to those who travel to bring their children to the District's prized K–8 school. She says that experience of community building pushed her to stay involved by running for school board.
Jergensen says he is running, despite his recent recall, because he believes his approach to the board has broader support in the community than was reflected in the recall results. “There was a third of our community that didn't vote at all,” Jergensen says. “I would love the third that didn't vote and for the 48% of the voters who voted against the recall to have a voice.”
Both supporters and opponents of the recall say the election starkly divided the community. How would you work to repair that division?
Choin says, “What caused the division was disenfranchising people who wanted to speak at our school board meetings.” She vows to give the public more than 24 hours notice of meeting times and either record or provide a Zoom option for all meetings. “No one's going to be afraid that their time is going to be limited or that they're not going to be allowed to say what they need to say,” she adds.
Jergensen says he would message to the community that the board welcomes “all viewpoints” as long as they are not directly threatening. He says everyone in the community should be viewed as stakeholders in the school and encouraged to give input on the Board’s work.
A dispute about an LGBTQ pride flag on campus contributed to the July recalls. Do you think the district has a responsibility to acknowledge and accommodate the needs of its LGBTQ students and families, and how would you want the district to do that, if so?
Choin says, “When there is a child who has two mothers or two fathers instead of the typical nuclear family, that is a social topic that's going to get discussed and has to be welcomed within our school.” That doesn’t mean the school needs to have a specific LGBTQIA curriculum, she adds, but does mean school staff should be prepared to talk with students about sexual orientation diversity and celebrate marginalized queer identities.
Jergensen says LGBTQ familes, like any other identity group, should be welcome at the Sunol Glen School. He says the school is a welcoming place when the people there hold acceptance in their hearts. He says the pride flag created division in the community. “We need to have a safe place for all children to go to learn, to play, and to be away from the fighting, to be away from the labels,” Jergensen says.
What are your top priorities for the district?
Choin says she will prioritize students’ wellbeing and education, something she says was deprioritized during last year's political drama. She says the best way to do this is by focusing on teachers. “I'm going to champion continuing education and training that our teachers need to be the best they can for our students,” she says.
Jergensen says his top priorities are the students and their education. “I would love for the school and the new superintendent to have the ability to be free of the infighting and the attacks,” Jergensen says, referring to the turmoil surrounding the recalls. “I have not been a part of attacking the school or attacking any of the teachers or anyone else in the community, even those who are advocating for the recall.”
In the coming year, the Board will have to manage a number of major upcoming construction projects at the District’s one school. What skills and priorities would you bring to your work on those projects?
Choin has experience bookkeeping and managing an industrial park. She says a lot of managing complex projects “is really asking the questions that you need to.” She says being diligent and staying on top of emails is essential to knowing what needs to be asked. As a substitute teacher, Choin frequently takes complex information and makes it easier to understand for her students. She will do the same for the public on these projects.
Jergensen has managed construction work at his home but says he does “not look forward to managing a huge project like that for the school where the costs keep going up.” If elected, he would make sure there is open debate about how to stretch the money set aside for the projects. “The worst thing that could happen — with our limited bond funds that we were able to pass — [would be] to get partway through and not be able to finish the job.”
Berkeley School Director
Top two candidates win seat.
Jen Corn36.3%
30,836 votes
Ana Vasudeo(incumbent)30.3%
25,743 votes
Laura Babitt(incumbent)26%
22,061 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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 Babitt
- School Director, Berkeley
- Budget: “ As a finance executive, I’ve helped the district navigate $3-$7M in budget cuts with a kid-first mindset.”
- Curricula: “With a focus on equity, we advanced the Black Lives Matter resolution through the African American Success Framework, and passed the Latinx resolution; which have both already shown meaningful results.”
- Climate Literacy: “I sponsored the climate literacy and environmental justice resolution, with immediate funding for implementation, and supported new district-wide committees to amplify parent, educator, and student voices, fostering deeper community engagement.”
- www.laurababitt.com
Norma J.F. Harrison
- Community volunteer
- Education System: “We have long been dismayed by the compulsory education system.”
- Social Structure: “We need together to try to propose a social structure wherein we get together to school ourselves because of mutual interest and mutual desire to benefit our society.”
- Youth: “Children – physically healthy children – are such delights, yet are required to behave like each other so the control by the school room can happen.”
Ana Vasudeo
- School Director, Berkeley
- Student Safety: “I established a Berkeley Unified Safety Committee and created the position of District-wide Safety Coordinator to keep our schools safe.”
- Fiscal Responsibility: “As board liaison to the Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP) Committee, I believe firmly in fiscal transparency and accountability, ensuring tax dollars are spent effectively for our students.”
- Accessibility: “As the parent of a student with disabilities, in my second term I will focus on expanding support and resources for students with disabilities and uplifting the voices of their families.”
- www.vasudeo4berkeley.com
Jen Corn
- School improvement director
Inclusivity: “Ensure that Berkeley schools are inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming, anti-racist, and LGBTQ-friendly communities that partner with families to serve all students.”
Teachers: “Recruit and retain high quality teachers and staff.”
Experience: “My thirty years’ experience as an educational leader have prepared me to review data and assess the impact of programs and initiatives, set priorities and make tough decisions, and steer our district toward our vision.”
www.jencorn.org
Adbur Sikder
- Faculty lecturer
Experience: “Currently serving as Faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Department of Information System at San Francisco State University, Dr. Sikder combines academic excellence with a global outlook.”
Student Loans: “A staunch proponent for empowering American youth, Dr. Sikder ardently supports the abolition of the student loan system.”
Education: “Dr. Sikder is a parent and understand the importance of quality school education for American children.”
www.votesikder.com
Oakland School Director, District 1
Top candidate wins seat.
Rachel Latta77.8%
22,409 votes
Benjamin Salop22.1%
6,385 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Rachel Latta
- Nurse/midwife/mother
- Education: “With two children attending OUSD schools and a preschooler, I know an enriching, rewarding education is key to all of our kids’ futures.”
- Experience: “I’ve spent the last eight years working to ensure that all Oakland kids have a joyful, quality education in safe, supportive school environments.”
- Priorities: “I’ll work to ensure every child has what they need to thrive, attract and retain the best teachers and staff, allocate resources equitably while balancing the budget and ensuring academic excellence, all in partnership with parents.”
- www.rachelforoakland.com
Benjamin Salop
- Civil engineering student
- Priorities: “I will be an advocate for families, address student mental health and ensure every student has equitable access to college and career. As I complete my engineering degree at UC Berkeley, I’m motivated to make sure every student has the opportunities after graduation I received.”
- Experience: “I will bring my decade of service to keep OUSD accountable. I co-wrote the Youth Vote Initiative as Oakland’s Youth Commission Chair.”
- Budget: “As the OUSD LCAP student director, I reviewed our district’s $600M budget, ensuring funds were allocated to student and teacher priorities.”
- www.benforoakland.com
Oakland School Director, District 3
Top candidate wins seat.
VanCedric Williams(incumbent)55.2%
10,930 votes
Dwayne Aikens Jr.44.7%
8,847 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Dwayne Aikens Jr.
- Educational nonprofit leader
- Experience: “With 19 years of experience as an award-winning educator and 14 years as the executive director of We Lead Ours (WELO), I bring a successful track record in fostering family engagement, academic achievement, and safe learning environments for our students.”
- Career Readiness: “I am running for school board because I know our school district can do better in preparing our students to achieve college and career success after high school.”
- Priorities: “I will: Interrupt high chronic absenteeism rates by ensuring we have the policies and practices that engage students and families… Leverage my MBA to ensure our district’s financial resources are soundly spent.”
Vancedric Williams
- Oakland School Director, District 3
- Accomplishments: “Under my leadership, we passed the Reparations for Black Students’ Resolution, prevented the closure of neighborhood schools, and worked towards financial stability.”
- Priorities: “My mission is to ensure children thrive in well-equipped classrooms with dedicated educators.”
- Equity: “I am committed to equitable distribution of OUSD resources to District 3 schools.”
- www.vancedricwilliams.com
Oakland School Director, District 5
Top candidate wins seat.
Patrice Berry53.6%
6,463 votes
Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez46.3%
5,578 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Patrice Berry
- Nonprofit leader/parent
- Experience: “As a former teacher and college counselor, I’ve helped hundreds of first-generation students achieve their dreams.”
- Career Readiness: “I led postsecondary education and workforce initiatives for our former mayor and I’ve continued to unlock access to opportunity as the Chief Impact Officer at End Poverty in California.”
- Priorities: “It is my mission to help our district overcome its challenges by sharpening our focus on student well-being and strengthening outcomes in workforce development, college readiness, literacy and math.”
- www.patrice4oaklandschools.com
Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez
- Executive director
- Experience: “As a dedicated community organizer and advocate, I have spent over a decade working to ensure that every Oakland student has access to quality education.”
- Inclusivity: “As Executive Director of Somos Familia, I led initiatives to support marginalized communities and foster inclusive environments in our schools.”
- Priorities: “I am running for Oakland School Board to prioritize students over profits, ensure career and workforce readiness, and advocate for a balanced budget that reflects the needs of students and families.”
- www.sasha4oakland.org
Oakland School Director, District 7
Top candidate wins seat.
Clifford Thompson(incumbent)62.8%
7,776 votes
Domonic Ware37.1%
4,590 votes
Updated at 9:01 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Alameda County
Alameda 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.
Clifford Thompson
- Oakland School Director, District 7/teacher
- Experience: “For over four decades, I served students and families in Oakland and Richmond – as a Teacher and School Principal.”
- Academic Achievement: “I consistently brought our board back to focus on the importance of student learning; recently I co-authored a resolution to Advance Black and Brown Student Achievement.”
- Fiscal Responsibility: “I brought our teacher and staff salaries up to the median while being a voice and advocate for fiscal responsibility. I ensured Measure Y funds were spent equitably to upgrade District 7 school facilities.”
Dominic Ware
- Education director
- Experience: “As an organizer, father, OUSD graduate, and community advocate, I bring decades of experience in organizing workers, cooperative development, and leadership.”
- Priorities: “On the board, I will advocate for STEM exposure at all grade levels, promote health and wellness on campus, and revive PTA organizations. I will also oppose school closures and mergers.”
- Budget: “I will work with California school districts to ensure our state leads the nation in per-pupil spending.”
- www.wareforoaklandschools.com
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