The Franklin-McKinley School District runs elementary and middle schools in central and east San Jose. Three of its five board seats are up on Nov. 3. Seats are elected at large, so every voter in the district can choose up to three candidates. Ballotpedia says the filing deadline was Aug. 7 and terms are four years.
The candidates
- Marc Cooper, incumbent. When he ran in 2022, his campaign website called for more focus on reading, math, language and science. It also stressed parents’ right to opt their children out of curriculum, and student safety. Ballotpedia lists endorsements including the Lincoln Club of Northern California, Moms for Liberty Santa Clara County and the Franklin McKinley Parents Organization.
- Rudy Rodriguez, incumbent. He is endorsed by the Santa Clara County Democratic Party.
- Steven Sanchez, incumbent.
- Gilbert Borrayo, challenger.
None of the four had completed Ballotpedia’s 2026 candidate survey when we checked. With four candidates for three seats, at least one will lose.
The Measure C bond
The board that takes office in December will oversee money from Measure C, a $142 million school facilities bond that voters approved on June 2, 2026. Ballotpedia says the bond was estimated to cost property owners about $30 per $100,000 of assessed value and raise about $8 million a year.
Nearby races include Evergreen School District, Oak Grove School District and East Side Union High.
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. For more local races and measures, see our 2026 Bay Area election hub.