Annette Lewis of Oakley is running for The Contra Costa County Office of Education – Area 5, encompassing Bethel Island, Clyde, Knightsen, Oakley, and parts of Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, and Pittsburg.
What does the Contra Costa County Board of Education do? They approve the programs and curriculum for the schools run by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. They review appeals regarding expulsions, transfer requests and charter school petitions rejected at the local school districts. They support and advise the 18 local governing school boards. They do not take over the role of the local school boards but assist and guide them as needed.
Lewis believes the most important board member duties center around student advocacy, and particularly the programs of the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Board members work to increase parent, business, and community support and awareness of the programs and services offered by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. This advocacy occurs continuously at levels from the local/city level, throughout the state, and up to the national level.
Lewis and Lynn Mackey at First 5 Contra Costa groundbreaking in Pittsburg
Her extensive volunteer experience at every level, advocating for children and families, training in collaborative board governance, and passion for public education makes her uniquely qualified to assume this role and these duties.
Annette’s priorities serving on the Contra Costa County Board of Education are:
- Equity and excellence in education for all students
- Genuine parent, community, and business engagement in public schools
- Access to high quality education for all students
- Increased education opportunities for students including Career Technical Education, early community college credits, and college preparation
- Prioritize School Safety and well-being for all students
- Assure the validity, financial feasibility, and longevity potential of charter applications while honoring taxpayer investments in public education
Lewis work on behalf of all children began when her daughter walked through the welcoming kindergarten doors 21 years ago at Gehringer Elementary School. Even before children, she pondered how to change the education system to serve children of all abilities, life, and career paths. She contemplated teaching as a career while in college, but at that time teachers were being laid off at high numbers so she chose another career path.
Lewis at Brentwood Library’s ribbon cutting
Through her work with PTA she increased her understanding of public education, how schools and districts are managed and funded, and importantly how to advocate and how to be a leader.
Through her years as a PTA leader and volunteer work with Band Boosters and other groups, she expanded her ability to work collaboratively alongside others. Her work supported every student and benefited all students, the community, and society. She wants to ensure all children received the education they deserved.
“I am grateful for everything I learned from dedicated volunteers, teachers, students, paraprofessionals and administrators,” Lewis has been quoted as saying, “and each has contributed to the confident, knowledgeable person I am today.”
Currently, Lewis works as a substitute teacher in the Oakley Union School District and continues her volunteer work on behalf of students and families.
For more information see www.annettelewis.com
