Union educators up and down the Golden State are among those running for the opportunity to serve on more than 2,000 school board seats this November – an election with significant implications for our students and communities.

CTA President David Goldberg commends members who serve as elected officials and those taking the leap for the first time this year. He says it’s up to all members to work together to elect fellow educators and union siblings to school boards.

“People trust us – showing up on their doorstep matters to them. Every one of us has a role to play,” Goldberg says, asking CTA members to get involved in their local union’s election efforts.

Meet a few of the members running for election this fall and join our movement to win for our public schools and students. Visit cta.org/election to read about other members running for office and how you can be a part of our winning team on Election Day.

Vanessa Robinson
Greenfield Teachers Association
Running for: Salinas Union High School District School Board

Why are you running for election?
I am committed to continuing the work of advocating for transformative racial equity and social change within Salinas, and I believe that this change begins in our classrooms. As the first Black trustee in the district, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges our students and staff face when it comes to equity and cultural sensitivity. My goal is to ensure that every student and staff member has access to the spaces, resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive.

What are your top priorities?
My top priorities for the district are rooted in fostering equity and access for every student, regardless of their ZIP code or socio-economic status. I am committed to transforming our schools into vibrant community hubs through Community Schools, ensuring they serve as comprehensive support centers for families. Additionally, I will prioritize continued investment in our Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway programs to prepare students for successful futures. By providing essential resources, implementing wraparound services and expanding career-focused opportunities, we can cultivate a robust and supportive educational experience that empowers all students.

Why is it so important to have educators on school boards?
The lived experiences of educators provide invaluable insights when making decisions that impact students. Our backgrounds in education equip us with a deep understanding of school organization, educational systems, data analysis, lesson design and the latest research-based practices. This wealth of expertise enhances the effectiveness of our board’s decision-making process as well. I take pride in the highly regarded reputation of my current board, which I attribute to the contributing shared experiences of the two retired educators on the board along with myself. Together, we ensure that the needs of both students and educators are thoughtfully considered.

What does it mean to you to be part of the movement to protect and defend our public schools?

Being part of this educator movement to protect and defend our schools is incredibly meaningful to me. I have always identified as an advocate first and an educator second, so I cherish the opportunity for these two worlds to collide at the highest levels of the educational industry. It gives me a profound sense of personal fulfillment to know that I play such an integral role in defending public education. As a public servant, I take great pride in earning the trust and support of my community to make impactful, thoughtful and meaningful decisions. My goal is to ensure that every student in the Salinas Union High School District has access to high-quality, robust learning experiences. I believe that every child deserves the best educational opportunities, and I am committed to advocating for the resources and policies that will help make that a reality. This movement is not just about protecting our schools; it’s about empowering our students and communities as well.

Any words for your fellow members on the importance of this election?

CTA polling has statistically proven that voters trust public school educators! Your voice truly matters; it reflects the needs and aspirations of our students and communities. Believe in your expertise and the unique perspective you bring to the table. This election is an opportunity to advocate for the changes we want to see in our schools and to champion the quality education our students deserve. Let’s continue to use our voices to ensure that the future of public education is one we’ve all only dreamed of.