If we are successful in electing these candidates, they are poised to make major improvements for Oakland students. But it will take all of us working together to get them elected - here are two ways we need you to help today:

1. Donate $25 or more to provide the resources we need to support these candidates.
2. Sign up to phone bank or walk a neighborhood as a volunteer.
   

These endorsements are the result of questionnaires, interviews, and member feedback on all candidates. The election is in November 2012 and will utilize Oakland's Ranked Choice Voting method of choosing a winner.

Scroll down for more information on each endorsed candidate. 

District 3 (West Oakland, Downtown, Adams Point) -
Jumoke Hinton-Hodge

Director Hinton-Hodge was first elected to the school board in 2008. During her first term, she helped to develop and guide "Thriving Students" an ambitious strategic plan for the Oakland Unified School District; sponsored the District's "A-G" requirements ensuring all students have access the courses necessary for college; and was instrumental in selecting and hiring Superintendent Tony Smith. Director Hinton-Hodge also lead the effort to create a district wide restorative justice policy to address discipline practices under which disproportionate numbers of African-American and Latino students were being expelled from  school. She is currently the Program Director at People's Grocery in West Oakland.

"Jumoke is a parent and a caring community member with deep roots in Oakland. In her four years on the school board she has learned to effectively work with others and navigate the system," said Dr. Washington Burns, a community leader in District 3 and  GO Board member. "She is a consistent voice for equity. She is an asset on the school board for students and families now, and will continue to be if she is re-elected."

District 5 (Fruitvale to Glenview) - Rosie Torres

Rosie Torres is the recipient of a California public school education, the proud mother of a child thriving in the Oakland public schools, a successful business owner, attorney, wife, community activist, and a dedicated volunteer. She is passionate about public education because it transformed her life, and she will fight to ensure that all Oakland students have access to great public schools.

Rosie is also supported by the National Women's Political Caucus, SEIU 1021, Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, and East Bay Young Democrats.

"As the parent of a public middle school student, I am concerned about our schools," said Deidra Perry, a District 5 parent and GO member. "Our children deserve a quality education.  Rosie Torres is the right candidate for school board -- she can make our schools better. She's also an Oakland public school parent, she understands what is means to have a  child in the district and she has the skills and passion to move our schools forward. She has my full support."

District 7 (East Oakland) - James Harris

James Harris is a former high school English teacher and active in the Oakland education community. He is on the board of Aim High and was a founding member of Great Oakland Public Schools. An innovative and strategic thinker, James will be a force for civility, teamwork, and progress on the School Board.

"James is a parent and a former teacher. He understands the complex issues at play in the Oakland Unified School District. He will work hard to make the schools better for our children," said Mary Prime Lawrence, East Oakland resident, mother of three students and GO Board member. "We need James on the School Board because he is dedicated to putting children first. He knows how to forge alliances to create success."