The San Mateo County Board of Education oversees the county Office of Education's budget, hears appeals on charter schools and student expulsions, and governs the county's court and community schools. Trustee Area 2 is contested on Nov. 3.
The candidates
- Beverly Gerard (Incumbent) was first elected in 1989 and has held the seat for 37 years without facing a challenger, according to Vote or Else's guide. It notes her work on restructuring the county's court and community schools for young people in the justice system.
- Dana Johnson (Program Director / Commissioner) is a social worker and first-time candidate who spent 16 years working with justice-involved youth in county probation, according to Vote or Else.
Endorsements
Bay Ballot, which tracks local voter guides, lists five guides recommending Johnson. It quotes the San Mateo Daily Journal's editorial: "Gerard is in the game, and understands the role but Johnson exhibits more creativity," citing her idea of connecting incarcerated youth with college and job training programs.
Also in San Mateo County: the community college board Area 2 race.
More races and measures: our 2026 election hub.
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.