You may have heard that the San Francisco teachers’ strike earlier this year was part of a coordinated effort (https://wecantwait.info/) among large, urban school districts in CA to stand up for fully-funded schools in the face of chronic, egregious, unconscionable underfunding that plagues every district. But did you know there’s one school district that’s holding the line on paying educators a living wage and growing programs for students amidst all this bullshit? It’s San Diego, (https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/positive-outliers-districts-beating-odds-report) baby. 

In his 18 years on the San Diego school board, Richard Barrera has led the charge to reject austerity narratives, direct district leaders to stop hoarding taxpayer money in reserves, increase teacher pay, and improve outcomes (https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/positive-outliers-districts-beating-odds-report) for low-income and BIPOC students. And he hasn’t just done it for his own community in the land of the California Burrito—Barrera has made himself available to advise and consult with education advocates fighting the good fight around the state. Since 2024, he’s worked on special projects for the CA Department of Education to protect immigrant students and families, build affordable housing on school property, and lower chronic absenteeism. 

Berrera understands the critical moment we’re in for public education, and all the things that need to change at the state level for local schools to have what they need. He is running to increase funding, stabilize the education workforce, and grow the model of schools as community hubs. Through it all, we trust that he’ll continue to work closely with union partners because he knows that there’s no pathway for improving schools that doesn’t start with supporting educators and the other humans who keep our education system running. No wonder he’s got the endorsement of the CA Teachers’ Association! Join us in imagining a brighter, bolder future for public education and vote Richard Barrera for State Superintendent!

Sidenote: We gotta shout out local educator and union leader Frank Lara who is also running for State Superintendent. His platform (https://www.frank4caschools.com/) is smart and bold and shows a deep understanding of classroom-level needs (and love for students!) that only the very best teachers exhibit. We went with Barrera this time because of his statewide experience, but we hope this isn’t the last we see of Frank Lara running for office!

Source (https://www.theleaguesf.org/blog#Superintendent)

The highlight: Our union is all-in to elect longtime San Diego School Board member Richard Barrera as California's next Superintendent of Public Instruction. As president of the San Diego Unified School Board, Barrera supported San Diego Education Association's (SDEA) successful fights for smaller class sizes, competitive wages and benefits for educators, investment and expansion of community schools, more opportunities for bilingual instruction, and expanded science career pathways in San Diego and beyond.

"Barrera's commitment to working families and public education is clear in his decades of experience," said CTA President David Goldberg. "With Barrera's partnership, educators increased their pay by more than 40% and protected fully paid family benefits. His leadership proves that when elected leaders partner with educators, students win."

Source (https://www.cta.org/educator/posts/state-council-weighs-in-on-june-primary)

Dual endorsement with Nichelle Henderson

VIG listing; State Superintendent Advisor