This November, CCA and CTA members made a powerful impact on local government and school board races, with many securing victories that promise to reshape the future of education in their communities. Educators ran for office with a focus on issues such as improving school funding, enhancing educator support and ensuring that policies prioritize student well-being. These wins at the school board and local government levels mark a significant step toward giving educators a direct voice in decision-making, fostering a more collaborative and responsive approach to education at the grassroots level. It’s clear that voters trust educators in these spaces, and thanks to the support of members and allies across the state, we helped make these wins happen!

“As a longtime educator, I understand public education. As a union leader, I’ve been in rooms where decisions on education are made and was able to share my experience and knowledge to help inform the outcome. We need educators in these rooms because we are the experts who know what our students and educators need and deserve,” said CCA Vice President Randa Wahbe who won a seat on the Citrus College Board of Trustees. “The greatest help was the faculty support. The Citrus College Faculty Association (CCFA) endorsed me early on, and the Citrus College Adjunct Faculty Federation (CFT) followed soon after. Being able to say during my campaign that I was the only candidate supported by all Citrus faculty went a long way in gaining the support of other organizations and community members.”

Chapters played a crucial role in supporting their endorsed candidates by organizing precinct walks, dropping off campaign literature and yard signs, writing postcards and more. CTA grants and funds were especially useful in allowing time and resources to be dedicated to these campaigns.

“CTA’s President Release Time Grant was instrumental in assisting the Wahbe campaign. At my college, presidents are given partial release which is necessary for regular activities such as attendance at every constituent and leadership group meeting, bargaining planning, member engagement, local association meeting planning, managing grievances, etc. District provided release time should not be used for electoral activities in the same way district resources such as email and facilities should not be used,” said CCFA President Gerhard Peters. “Randa’s election was a top priority for CCFA members because she is committed to integrating the voices of all constituent groups in her decision-making. Randa understands that information should not be filtered by the administration and that a balanced approach requires offering an ear to all constituent groups (faculty, staff, students and administration).”

“College of the Canyons Faculty Association (COCFA) members donated money, walked neighborhoods delivering 30,000 pieces of campaign literature, held sign rallies on busy corners every weekend, put signs and banners up, wrote letters to the editor and contacted fellow CTA members from other chapters who live in the voting areas. CTA ABC funds enabled us to do mailers and media ad buys for our slate of four endorsed candidates. Edel Alonso’s win means the board has a former educator’s voice on it,” said COCFA President Jason Burgdorfer.

Members were able to harness their skills in other ways too towards the election. “COCFA PAC Treasurer and Photography faculty Wendy Brill-Wynkoop spearheaded the digital and print campaign designs, working with a graphic designer. Leaning into her experience in the visual arts and building upon the 2020 election successes, Wendy was able to coordinate the work of various faculty and designers to create memorable messaging,” said Burgdorfer.

“ABC funds and PAC donations from our members played a vital role in helping Carolyn Inmon’s campaign. These funds allowed her to effectively reach voters through targeted advertisements, creation and printing of walking pieces and the creation of campaign signs. Victories such as Trustee Inmon’s bring a sense of hope and encouragement to educators. I believe it signifies that voters care about candidates who prioritize education, improving faculty working conditions, advocate for fair compensation, and support educator’s voices. I hope this win creates momentum for us to continue to work with and find trustee candidates that value the voice of the faculty,” said Robert Melendez, president of the South Orange County Community College Faculty Association.

“The CTA Sierra Service Center, California Community College Association and Bakersfield Elementary Teachers have been my allies, critics and trusted advisors. Providing both accountability and financial backing. In the summer of 2024, before the start of the election season, I launched a Youth Leadership Academy. The program empowered young people between 14 to 18 years of age to learn about the civil rights history of Kern County and assigned mentors to help youngsters design and practice community activism. The mentors, guest lecturers and advisory panel for this program were almost all CTA volunteers, who shared my vision to engage youth in our democracy. Before the summer was over, our youth leaders knocked on almost 250 doors and wrote over 350 postcards as well as addressing issues they cared about including food insecurity, trans visibility and public art,” said Kern CCD CCA member Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone, who ran unopposed for reelection to the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education.

“As a classroom teacher who is well versed in policy, I am aware of how policies made in board rooms by folks in suits affect the learning conditions of students as well as the working conditions of our educators. Having educators on school boards lends a very necessary dose of reality when it comes to financial and policy decisions. In addition, educators who serve on school boards can counter destructive extremist groups and candidates and ensure that democracy prevails,” said CTA Board Member Angela Der Ramos who ran unopposed for a Hartnell College Board of Trustees seat.

“Having Angela Der Ramos win a Hartnell Board of Trustee seat is exciting for the Hartnell College Faculty Association (HCFA). We have not had a teacher or faculty member on the board for years. To have someone who has been on the front lines, in the classroom, who understands the challenges that today’s educators face is valuable. I love that she has the background to challenge budget report assumptions and has experience as a trustee at another school board in Salinas,” said HCFA President Nancy Beymer.

“After over 35 years in the classroom, I’ve seen just about everything. I know the impact on students who need to spend extra semesters at a community college due to ‘necessary budget cuts’ impacting getting the courses they need to transfer. I’ve also seen excellent part-time instructors lose their jobs from those same cuts. All colleges have something about being student-centered in their mission statements; we faculty have spent our whole careers living that. It’s in our bones. This knowledge and passion are especially important in times of budget cutting or minimal budget increases,” said Gavilan College Faculty Association member Ken Wagman, who ran unopposed and serves on the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees.

As these educators step into the political arena, their commitment to shaping the future of education promises to bring a unique, insightful perspective to school boards, advocating for policies that prioritize student success and keep our communities at the forefront of decision-making.