Ballotpedia counts 1,198 students in John Swett Unified’s four schools in 2025, which makes it one of the smallest districts in Contra Costa County. The five-member board serves four-year terms. Voters may choose two candidates.
The candidates
Here is how each describes themselves in their ballot designation and official candidate statement.
- Terri Burk (Incumbent) is seeking a second term. She is a John Swett Unified retiree and the parent of two graduates. She says she has pushed for transparency and fiscally responsible decisions and wants staff, student and community input on spending.
- Samantha Watson-Alvarado (Parent/Family Therapist) has children in the district. She is a former PTA president and served on the district’s first Community Schools Action Team. She began her career as a preschool teacher and now works as a mental health professional.
- Bruce Hoeger (Equity Investor) wants to bring practical lessons into the curriculum. He proposes teaching stock investing and real estate in math classes, along with the math behind trades like plumbing, electrical and carpentry, and information on what different professions earn.
- Shane Reinhart (Retired Teacher) is on the ballot. We did not find a published platform.
For logistics, see our Contra Costa voting guide.
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.