We are navigating unprecedented challenges in our public education system. From teacher and administrator shortages, the continued impact of COVID-19, and the ongoing influence of institutionalized bias on student access to equitable and inclusive learning environments, our schools are in crisis. As a career educator who has served as a teacher, school and district leader, and now as an elected school board member, I can truly say that I have never seen our education system struggling with so many challenges at once.

Our school districts need experienced leadership to guide them through these crises and empower them to emerge stronger on the other side. L.K. Monroe’s response to the pandemic demonstrates why we need her to stay as our Alameda County Superintendent. Throughout the pandemic, the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) has hosted more than 90 meetings between school leaders and public health officials to ensure that districts had access to vital information and resources. During the Omicron surge, the ACOE provided on-the-ground support, including the deployment of ACOE staff as substitute teachers, the assignment of temporary employees to support districts with their overwhelming needs to connect with families, and the distribution of 400,000 rapid tests to our students and staff. The relationships that Superintendent Monroe has built with Alameda County Public Health officials will be critical as our schools prepare for a return to school in the fall of 2022.

L.K. Monroe’s response to the pandemic is just one of many reasons why we need the strategic relationships, experience, and leadership that she has developed during her tenure as Alameda County Superintendent to continue. It can be tempting to think that change is what we need – bring in new people and new ideas, a fresh perspective to our challenges. Given all the crises our schools are facing, I myself considered running for the seat. Prior to doing so, I sat down with L.K. Monroe and asked her what she planned to do if she won another term. She spoke of many of the areas that I felt were urgent, including deepening support for the Social-Emotional well-being of staff and students, guiding our school districts to navigate the impact of declining student enrollment, providing continued fiscal oversight for our districts, and training the next generation of teachers and school leaders.

As we spoke, I was reminded that leading change in educational settings requires continuity, patience, and hard work. I also gained a deeper appreciation of the urgency of this moment and why L.K. Monroe’s past experience is so vital to our school system’s recovery. I realized that the county could not afford for me to learn on the job; we need someone who can carry forward the work already underway and advocate for the changes our schools need. I am excited about the plans that L.K. Monroe has for our schools and I believe that she is the right person to continue this very important work on behalf of our students. Please re-elect L.K. Monroe for County Superintendent of Schools.