Rebecca Barrett Launches Campaign for Contra Costa Community College Board

CONCORD, CALIF — Rebecca Barrett, an education policy leader and Diablo Valley College (DVC) alumna, announced her candidacy for Contra Costa Community College Board in Ward 3.

“We need someone on the College Board who is a product of our schools, has sat in our classrooms, works in today’s economy, and understands the needs of today’s students,” said Barrett. “I know that I can bring that perspective to the District, along with my expertise having worked in the California Department of Education and as a mentor to today’s community college students.”

Rebecca grew up in North Concord and graduated from Concord High School and DVC before transferring to UCLA. Since then, she has worked hard to advocate for a quality, accessible education system for all students.

Between classes in college, she fought cuts to higher education and organized students to meet with their education leaders. After graduation, she devoted her life to education policy. Rebecca worked at the California Department of Education, eventually becoming the Principal Advisor to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and a member of the Department’s Senior Leadership Team.

While there, Rebecca led the team that created the state’s Gold Ribbon Schools system, rewarding schools for not just high-test scores, but also for serving at-risk students, engaging the community, and implementing quality art and civics programs. She also worked to expand career technical opportunities for students.

Today, Rebecca mentors DVC students, cultivates leadership among various youth groups, and advises elected officials and candidates on education policy.

“Rebecca truly understands the importance of a strong education that prepares you for a good career,” said Contra Costa Community College Board Member Vicki Gordon. “Rebecca’s passion for our students is limitless. She understands our students’ needs, and the District’s constraints. And most importantly, she’s a fighter who will help the District provide a great education to every student, whether they want to transfer to a four-year university, earn a career technical certificate, or an A.A. degree. I am proud to support Rebecca Barrett for Contra Costa Community College Board.”

Since launching her campaign, Rebecca has outlined six priorities for Ward 3:

• Expanding access to quality career technical programs.

• Increasing affordability for all students.

• Prioritizing school safety and ensuring that all students know how to report harassment.

• Forging more K-12 partnerships, so that every student can take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them at their local community college.

• Building stronger ties with local businesses and community groups to provide students with real life career opportunities.
• Continuing our progress updating, renovating, and building state-of-the-art facilities, all while ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely.

“My time at DVC made me a stronger student and prepared me for my career,” said Rebecca. “Quality classes and great teachers expanded my horizons, all while allowing me to work, giving me the experience I have relied on to thrive in today’s economy. I will fight to ensure that all students are offered the same opportunities I was – and more.”

For more information about Rebecca Barrett, visit her website at www.RebeccaBarrett.org or email her directly at [email protected].