2024 is a critical year for public education. We have the power at the ballot box to dedicate necessary resources to mental health and elect champions of public education and unions—from school board members all the way up to the California legislature. This year, there are over 2,000 school board races that we can win!

CTA recommendations for candidates and ballot measures are voted on by our State Council of Education. Nearly 800 State Council delegates meet four times a year and are all democratically elected educators from across California. This is where candidate recommendations made by local union members and approved by the CTA Board are brought to the floor for debate and final approval. Interviews and recommendations for pro-public education candidates and pro-public education positions on California initiatives are extensive, deliberate and important work in our union.

Some of our very own are running for seats in their local communities, such as Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone who is running unopposed for reelection to the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education, CTA Board Member Angela Der Ramos who is running unopposed for a Hartnell College Board of Trustees seat, and Ken Wagman who is running unopposed and will serve on the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees starting in early December. Additionally, CCA Vice President Randa Wahbe is running for a Citrus College Board of Trustees seat and Joshua Christ is running for a Fontana Unified School District Board seat.

“I’m running for Hartnell Trustee because education is a path to equity, and this is especially true of community colleges like Hartnell. Language difficulties and financial hardship are common barriers, and many of our students make it through our school system, but not without academic struggles. Community college opens many doors for a great number of people who might not have access to four-year colleges or vocational training,” said Der Ramos.

“We teachers have seen the impact on the students and faculty of the cutbacks from the recession 15 years ago, and we need to make sure current students and faculty aren’t impacted that way again. This is a great opportunity to take what I’ve learned from my teaching and through my union work and be able to keep contributing to community college students and faculty. The California community college system is a valuable community resource, and we need to make sure it stays that way for future generations,” said Wagman.

“Our students are the future, and our schools are where that future transforms from a fuzzy far-off dream into a clear and achievable reality. Every student deserves a robust public education that prepares them for the real world in a safe, equitable and inclusive environment that highlights and encourages individual strengths while fostering a sense of belonging and community,” said Christ when asked why he was running.

“One of the reasons I’m running for Citrus College Trustee is because I believe in strengthening our community colleges, which are a critical pathway for so many to achieve their dreams. As a community college educator for over 25 years and a leader in educational planning at the local, state and national levels, I have the experience, knowledge and relationships to continue building upon the great partnerships between our community and the college,” said Wahbe.

Visit cta.org/our-advocacy/election-2024 to see our recommended candidates, initiatives and make a plan to vote today!