Politics & Government

Alameda Teachers Endorse Board Candidates

The Alameda Education Association, representing local public school teachers, has endorsed three candidates for the school board.

The Alameda Education Association (AEA) representing local public school teachers, has endorsed three candidates for the school board: incumbent Trish Herrera Spencer and challengers Barbara Kahn and Jon Murphy.

The three are among nine candidates vying for three seats on the board in the Nov. 6, 2012, election. (See the complete list of candidates for these and other local races in the Alameda Patch article "Election Watch: Final Line-Up for School Board, Health Care District."

“We are excited about our upcoming campaign kickoff for these three outstanding advocates for students and education in Alameda. We look forward to working together with the community to support Trish, Barbara and Jon for Alameda School Board,” said Gray Harris, president of the 524-member AEA, in an Aug. 28 press release.

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According to the release, the campaign kickoff is 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, in front of 2200 Central Ave., between Oak and Walnut streets in Alameda.

A panel of AEA members interviewed all nine school board candidates recently, and all candidates participated by answering written as well as oral questions, according to the AEA. The teachers' union chose three people to endorse for the following reasons, the release said:

Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Trish Spencer, incumbent, is a parent, attorney and proven advocate for students and education in Alameda. Trish always puts the interests of the students first.

"Barbara Kahn, parent and grandmother, has been active in Alameda schools for over 50 years, and believes a voice must be raised in support of our children. Barbara wants the focus to be on what is truly important in a school district -- students, teaching and learning.

"Jon Murphy teaches nursing at Merritt College, serves as co-chair of the California Community College Budget Committee, and just completed his doctorate in educational leadership. Jon is excited about students achieving their highest potential in a district where parents, teachers and staff can work collaboratively."

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