FAQ
What are the three most important issues for the School Board right now?
The top priorities facing BUSD are securing fiscal health to protect classroom staffing, restoring community trust through transparent and collaborative governance, and establishing proactive AI and technology policies that safeguard student privacy and safety. Addressing these requires moving from reactive crisis management to student-first, proactive governance.
What qualifies you to be a Director on the Berkeley School Board?
As a 25-year public education veteran and current BUSD parent of three, my qualification lies at the intersection of technical K-12 expertise and deep community trust. My career spans classroom teaching, district central administration, and statewide strategic consulting on school budgets and governance. Paired with leadership as a PTA Equity Chairperson, Co-Chair of the district Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), and Vice Chair of Berkeley’s Peace and Justice Commission, I bring the fiscal operational, and grassroots experience required to deliver transparent results, support our educators and staff, and achieve structural equity for our students.
How many people are running for School Board this year?
Three candidates are running for three open seats, making this the first uncontested Berkeley School Board election in 30 years. The three qualified candidates on the 2026 ballot are incumbents Ka’Dijah Brown and Jennifer Shanoski, alongside me, Sandy Park.
Is this your first time running for public office?
Yes, this is my first run for elective office, but I bring decades of aligned experience in governance, advocacy, and school leadership. As a BUSD parent of three, I have consistently served as a classroom partner, School Site Council (SSC) member, and PTA Equity Chairperson. Beyond the campus, I served as a Co-Chair of the district-wide Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) and Vice Chair of Berkelely’s Peace and Justice Commission — giving me a track record as an effective collaborator across BUSD and the City of Berkeley on behalf of students and families.
What differentiates you from other candidates?
As the only non-incumbent running, I bring both an outside perspective as a current BUSD parent and professional expertise as a 25-year educator and statewide district strategist. Having worked directly on school district budgets, compliance, and governance, I know how to make tough decisions that translate into real, structural progress. My campaign is powered by a diverse coalition of BUSD families and teachers, tapping into my ongoing work as a community organizer to build true collective equity. My priority is to collaborate closely with our incumbent board members, make governance more transparent and accessible, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our students.
How much money has your campaign raised?
We raised $3,200 exclusively through small individual contributions under Berkeley’s public financing rules — accepting zero corporate or organizational money. Once filing confirmed this was an uncontested race, I immediately stopped accepting campaign donations and opted not to draw from the city’s 6:1 public matching funds, preserving those tax dollars for essential municipal services. Instead, we directed prospective supporters to BUSD’s Office of Family Engagement and Equity (OFEE), which provides direct, wraparound support to BUSD students and families.
Why don’t you have yard signs?
True fiscal responsibility requires practicing what we preach. For the first time in three decades, this School Board race is uncontested, so I opted against spending money on short-lived campaign merchandise. Instead of producing yard signs, I am focusing our resources on authentic engagement—participating in school events, joining local media forums, and staying directly connected with Berkeley families.
Why isn’t your family part of your campaign?
My family is deeply involved in this campaign—with three children currently in BUSD, they are getting a front-row seat to civics in action! However, practicing what I preach on youth privacy means keeping their photos off public campaign materials. Protecting student safety and digital privacy is a core pillar of my platform, and that starts right at home.
Which organizations have endorsed your candidacy?
I am honored to be endorsed by a strong coalition of our educators, school staff, working families, and Democratic leaders. My candidacy is backed by Berkeley Federation of Teachers (BFT), Berkeley Council of Classified Employees (BCCE), and the Alameda Labor Council — reflecting trust from the people who power our schools every day. I am equally proud to have the support of Latinos Unidos de Berkeley, the Alameda County Democrats, Cal Democrats, and the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club.