San Lorenzo Valley Unified has more than 2,600 students, about 700 of them at the high school. The district also runs an independent charter school with more than 2,500 students. Trustee Areas 1, 2 and 4 are listed on the county's Notice of Election. Area 4 is the race with two candidates on the ballot. Same-ballot voters also decide Measure J, the parcel tax renewal.
The candidates
- Gail Levine (incumbent), 81, is a former superintendent and principal. She names secondary enrollment as the biggest concern. Her plan is to keep strong college and career programs and pay salaries competitive with other districts.
- Ashleigh Hopkins, 39, is a former legal professional, PTA president and mother running for the first time. She wants to "reengage with parents and teachers," be more open about budget decisions and give more weight to teachers' voices in pay and classroom resources.
The candidates' full survey answers are in Santa Cruz Local's guide, linked below.
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.