Across California, educators are rising to answer another call to public service – by running for election to school boards this November.

Seeking to bring their knowledge and experience about schools and education to school boards in their home communities, these educators are stepping up to build the schools all students deserve as elected policymakers. We’ll be spotlighting a number of educators running for school board here at the digital home of California Educator as the November Election approaches.

Meet one of these education champions: Tara Jeane, a high school English educator with West Placer Teachers Association and member of the NEA Board of Directors, who is running for a seat on the Sacramento City School Board.

Why are you running for school board?

I want to do more for kids. I’ve taught about 3,500 students in 17 years in the classroom, I’ve lobbied with local, state, and national leaders for what schools need, and I’ve worked with my colleagues collaboratively to solve any problem that we’ve faced in education. Our current school board doesn’t have a teacher on it, and I’m eager to use my teacher voice in that room!

What are your top priorities for the school district?

Every student deserves a teacher. This means we must prioritize attracting and retaining the adults that work directly with students. One of the school board’s most important roles is determining where our financial resources go and I firmly believe we must spend this year’s dollars on this year’s students. While education is always challenging, I know that we can develop the solutions our students deserve when we work together. I will always advocate for labor management collaboration because our students’ future is right now.

Why did you decide that now is the time to serve your community as an elected official?

In February, after a day of virtual union meetings, I clicked off Zoom and felt rather deflated. The last two years have both taken their toll on us educators and proven yet again how vital it is for us to be in the room when people make decisions about education. I woke up the next morning and just knew it was time to run for school board.

What would you like to say to your fellow CTA members about running for elected office?

The minute I decided to run, I started hearing the voice of doubt. I so appreciate that my union family has been louder than that voice, continually encouraging and championing me on every step of this journey. Our world needs us and we can do this together!

Website: Tara4SacCity.org
Facebook: Tara Jeane For Sac City, Twitter: @Tara4SacCity