Alameda voters will choose two members of the Alameda Unified School District board on Nov. 3 from a field of five.

The candidates

  • Carrie Hahnel, appointed board member. She said the district needs a clear vision of "what are we building toward" rather than a conversation about cuts, and that AI "has a role" only if it supports learning.
  • Gary Lym, incumbent. He flagged a projected $9.5 million deficit in 2029-30 and noted AUSD's enrollment ticked up this year, which he credited to expanded transitional and full-day kindergarten.
  • Joyce Boyd, certified public accountant and returning candidate. She wants to close academic achievement gaps and said any school consolidation shouldn't be decided "just by five people who are on the board."
  • Mike McMahon, independent contractor and former board member. He proposed a "three-legged approach" to AI: train teachers, guard against "AI creep," and involve parents.
  • Sarah Putnam, parent and newcomer. She wants AUSD to be an "AI-free zone" and supports letting 16- and 17-year-olds vote in school board elections.

Youth voting

At the Sept. 19 League of Women Voters of Alameda forum, reported by the Alameda Post, Boyd opposed lowering the voting age for board elections because of the cost, McMahon said he'd explore it once the fiscal picture is clear, Lym noted state law limits the board's options, and Hahnel said student voice should matter but not at the cost of the district's independence.

Also on Alameda ballots: the mayor and council races and Measure L.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.