People's Democratic Club of Santa Cruz County 

Written Statements by Candidates for County Board of Education

November 3, 2020 Election

All candidates statements that have been submitted are viewable below.  Scroll all the way down, please.

Alyssa Wall

As a former teacher and college lecturer, I understand that teaching and learning is at the heart of our school system- our policies and programs should be adapted to fit the needs and interests of our students. I am committed to ensuring our schools provide the best education for students that can be achieved. I wholeheartedly believe that all students deserve access to rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum, and nurturing, high-quality educators regardless of their zip code or skin color.

I come from a family of immigrants and I'm the first in my family to graduate from a university. Access to quality education has given me the opportunity to earn my B.A. and M.A in Education, pursue a doctoral degree, and teach in five different countries. All students should be able to fearlessly pursue their passions and it is up to us to ensure that they have the tools they need to navigate the world around them. I am confident that I would be an equitable advocate for our children while being responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of our community. 

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Sandra Nichols  

I have represented the westside of Santa Cruz and areas north of town on the County Board of Education since 2012. I ask for your support promoting a variety of educational opportunities, supporting programs that instill confidence and success, and developing the skill-set necessary to become responsible citizens. My qualifications include a Master's Degree in Education, 31 years teaching in local public schools and nearly 20 years on local boards of education.

As trustee I have accomplished goals that support students of all levels and abilities. I embrace diversity, alternatives in education, and programs rich in the arts, environmental studies, advanced placement and career technical education. I helped initiate programs that encourage biliteracy. I worked with state and federal legislators on student safety and adequate school funding. I led the charge against providing student data to military recruiters. And I am emphatic about transparency in governance.

In these challenging times, we need dedicated, experienced leaders who prioritize safety and opportunities for our precious children. Important matters confront voters this November. You have the opportunity to choose leaders who are thoughtful, who listen, and who value the relationship between teachers, students and parents. I recommit myself to such leadership.

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Dana Sales

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I was born in Watsonville, grew up on the family farm, and attended local public schools,  Salsipuedes and Watsonville High.  I then received a congressional appointment and was admitted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

After leaving the Navy, I returned to Watsonville and opened a small business downtown on Main Street, Penguin Printing.  I owned and operated that company for 10 years.  Subsequently, I obtained my Real Estate license and have been a local REALTOR for 33 years.

I was twice elected to and served as a Trustee and President of the Board of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

I was elected to and currently serve as the Pajaro Valley representative to the County Board of Education.

I will continue to work to see that our local schools receive their fair share of County resources.  I remain a strong advocate of the visual and performing arts, and will be an advocate for at risk children.  Every child needs to be in school!

I believe that my experience as a small business owner who has had to make payroll every month, a REALTOR who deals with changing economics every day, and as an elected official who has worked to prioritize budgets every year and represent our Valley to the County Office of Education make me uniquely qualified to serve on your behalf.

I humbly ask for your vote.

Dana Sales