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2026 School Board Candidates Supported by LUPS

Lift Up Public Schools (LUPS) is a coalition of dedicated volunteers working to strengthen and defend quality public education. We help voters learn about candidates, school measures, and statewide propositions that can have an impact on public schools and the students and communities they serve.

We are strong advocates for ALL our kids. Because LUPS brings together both partisan and nonpartisan organizations, LUPS does not endorse candidates or ballot measures. Instead, we provide information about candidates whose positions, priorities, and demonstrated commitment to public education align with LUPS' mission and values, as well as measures and propositions that we believe support strong, equitable public schools.

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Linda Granger

Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Area 2

Alameda County

Linda, an experienced educator and current Chabot-Las Positas trustee, has served as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent, bringing decades of educational leadership and community service.

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Harris Mojadedi

Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Area 3

Alameda County

A Chabot-Las Positas trustee since 2022, Harris is a UC Berkeley higher-education leader and longtime community advocate focused on student success, equity, and expanding access to public education.

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Hal G. Gin

Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Area 6

Alameda County

A longtime Chabot-Las Positas trustee, Hal brings more than three decades in education and student affairs, along with extensive community leadership and public service experience.

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Seema Badar

Dublin Unified School District, Area 5

Alameda County

Seema is a DUSD parent and former Bond Oversight Chair with deep fiscal experience. She is dedicated to supporting students, empowering teachers, and championing tolerance across all district schools.

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Joann Guzman

Hayward Unified School District, Area 2

Alameda County

Joann is a longtime Hayward parent advocate and community leader with experience as a PTA president, Parent Ambassador, School Site Council chair, and Bond Oversight Committee member, dedicated to strong, inclusive public schools.

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Michelle Fernelius

Hayward Unified School District, Area 4

Alameda County

Michelle is a Hayward parent leader with years of special education advocacy experience and service as Parent Ambassador Lead, SPEDAA Vice Chair, and School Site Council member, committed to inclusive schools and family voice.

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Tara Boyce

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Area 2

Alameda County

A parent of students in LVJUSD, Tara's financial acumen will make an immediate impact. Rebuilding trust is her top priority through respect and accountability. Serves on LCAP and Budget Advisory Committee.

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Angela Brady

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Area 3

Alameda County

A district parent and Data Analyst, Angela advocates fiercely for student protection. She leverages data to champion critical mental health resources, Special Education support, and LGBTQIA+ safety.

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Christiaan VandenHeuvel

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Area 5

Alameda County

As a parent, pastor, former substitute teacher, and current Trustee, Christiaan brings a unique perspective. He supports all students through multi-level academic resources, open dialogue, and strong teacher advocacy.

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Karen Fletcher

Pleasanton Unified School District, Area 5

Alameda County

A Livermore High robotics teacher who raised four children in the district, Karen focuses on improving PUSD’s financial health while driving academic success and achievement for every student.

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René Turnbull

Sunol Glen Unified School District

Alameda County

René, former professor at Diablo Valley College and former Dean of STEM at Contra Costa College, brings extensive higher-education experience and a commitment to inclusive public education.

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Karen Ruth Newcomb

Sunol Glen Unified School District

Alameda County

Karen, a retired investment strategist, brings strategic planning experience and a strong record of involvement in the Sunol community, with experience supporting local organizations and addressing community needs.

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Stacey Schweppe

Acalanes Union High School District, Area 1

Contra Costa County

Currently serving on the AUHSD Governing Board, Stacey brings thoughtful leadership grounded in years of executive experience with the Las Trampas Creek Council of PTAs, the AUHSD Coordinating Council, and AUHSD Citizens Oversight Committees for Measures G and A.

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Brandon Dawkins

Antioch Unified School District, Area 5

Contra Costa County

Brandon is a healthcare worker, labor and community organizer, and father of five committed to strong public schools, student well-being, academic excellence, and a thriving Antioch community.

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Sarah G. Butler

Contra Costa County Board of Education, Area 2

Contra Costa County

A public education champion running for re-election, Sarah will continue prioritizing: academics that support diverse career pathways; transparency and accountability; strong oversight; school safety; mental health resources and counselors; and diversity, equity, inclusion and access.

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Cameron Sasai

Contra Costa Community College District, Ward 1

Contra Costa County

A champion for equal access to an affordable, quality education, Cameron is a union member, statewide legislative advocate on issues directly facing community college students and their families, and City Councilmember and former Mayor of Pinole.

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Rebecca Faith Barrett

Contra Costa Community College District, Ward 3

Contra Costa County

Rebecca, an experienced education policy leader and current CCCC District Trustee, champions accessible public education, student success, workforce pathways, and support for first-generation and underserved students.

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Jane Baulch-Enloe

Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Area 2

Contra Costa County

Jane is a longtime educator and student advocate with 35 years of classroom experience, committed to strong public schools, empowered teachers, accountable leadership, and putting students first.

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Brian Thomas Lawrence

Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Area 4

Contra Costa County

Brian is a longtime MDUSD leader who served on the board from 2014–2022 and returned by appointment in 2025. He is committed to strong public schools, student success, and responsible stewardship.

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Edda Collins Coleman

Orinda Union School District

Contra Costa County

An OUSD Trustee and communications executive, Edda co-founded a civic engagement nonprofit. Her priorities include strict fiscal responsibility, robust student mental wellness initiatives, and enhancing the district's curriculum.

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Katie Shogan

Orinda Union School District

Contra Costa County

Katie currently serves as President of the OUSD Board. She has diverse experience as a classroom teacher and school administrator. Her priorities are academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and teacher and staff support.

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John Chabalko

Orinda Union School District

Contra Costa County

An elementary Parents’ Club Co-President with two decades of tech management experience, John champions transparency, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration to maintain OUSD’s educational excellence and strengthen community partnerships.

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Rachel Hurd

San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Area 5

Contra Costa County

Rachel has served on the SRVUSD board since 2006, bringing 20 years of leadership and deep parent advocacy experience, with a commitment to academic excellence, inclusive schools, and student success.

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Heidi Hernandez Gatty

Walnut Creek School District

Contra Costa County

First elected to the WCSD Board in 2018, Heidi brings deep philanthropic, PTA, and education foundation leadership experience to public education advocacy, focusing on sound organizational governance and student success.

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Eryn Holl King

Walnut Creek School District

Contra Costa County

With ten years of WCEF board leadership, Eryn leverages expertise in school finance and nonprofit governance to make smart student investments, champion transparent decision-making, and build community trust.

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Geetha Ganti

Walnut Creek School District

Contra Costa County

A biotech leader with journalism experience, Geetha is committed to academic excellence, supporting teachers, transparent leadership, and strong public schools for every student.

Serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in California.

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Disclaimer: Lift Up Public Schools (LUPS) is a coalition of civic education, partisan and non-partisan organizations and their members, that does not endorse candidates. LUPS educates voters (and potential volunteers) about pro-public education candidates and campaigns that align with our mission and values.

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