Ballots have arrived in mailboxes and a race of local note is that for the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools.
Two candidates are in the running: Troy Brown, who currently holds the post after being appointed to serve; and challenger Brian Biedermann.
The Times posed a set of five questions to the candidates; following are their responses. Candidate responses are used in alphabetical order.
BRIAN BIEDERMANN
Q: What qualifications do you bring to the role of County Schools Superintendent?
A: I have 23 years of experience in public education. I am a servant leader that has been a coach, a teacher, a principal, a director, a superintendent and most importantly a father that wants what is best for all children in San Joaquin County. I am a lifelong resident that has a proven track record of academic growth.
I am an administration coach at the Sacramento County Office of Education, an Instructor for Administrative Credentialing at the San Joaquin County Office of Education and a Lead Staff Developer for AVID Center.
Why have you decided to seek the position?
I’m excited to be running to be our next county superintendent of schools. I’ve been on the front lines of education in San Joaquin County, as a teacher, as principal and as a School District Superintendent. I firmly believe that our kids deserve better from the county office of education than the status quo. They deserve a superintendent who will bring innovation to our county schools, to make sure our students have the tools to excel in college and in the workforce. Our schools deserve a leader who has a track record of increasing test scores across the board, and put real investment into workforce training and career and technical education: for our great agricultural community, for our building trades, logistics and to create a tech/coding workforce to attract those tech companies on the other side of the Altamont. This is the type of leader I’ll be for our county teachers, parents and students, and why I’m running to be your next superintendent.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing educators today?
Mental health and fatigue … especially during the pandemic educators have been asked to continuously adapt to ever changing state mandates, make sacrifices and stretch to the limits of their capabilities. It has driven teachers to the brink. It’s something we must address before we lose a whole generation of educators. We are excited to receive the endorsement from CTA so we are able to address this together.
Is there a specific area of concern you would address first as superintendent?
School Safety and the Social Emotional Needs of our students.
Career and Technical Education Pathways.
Pathway development with real internships and job shadowing.
Focusing on Health, Agriculture, Logistics and Education.
We have talked about this for years and now it is time to turn the words into action.
Why should people cast their vote for you?
I am candidate with a track record of measurable results: higher test scores, grades and increased attendance. I have been locally (2011 Principal of the Year) and nationally recognized (2015 President Obama’s State of the Union and AVID National Demonstration Principal). I am committed to pushing San Joaquin County forward and changing education to meet the needs of all students.
TROY BROWN
Q: What qualifications do you bring to the role of County Schools Superintendent?
A: I began my career in education in the classroom as a high school English teacher in Tracy, California. My journey to Superintendent of Schools also included serving as a principal, district office administrator, and the county associate superintendent of Student Programs and Services.
My vast experience in the school setting and at the district and county levels has provided me with a deep understanding of the educational system and unique needs of the students and families who reside throughout San Joaquin County.
In my current role as San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools, I have worked to build effective relationships with San Joaquin County’s school district leaders to provide guidance and support. This includes acting as a liaison between the state, our local school districts, charter schools, private schools, and public health officials during the pandemic.
Why have you decided to seek the position?
I believe that EVERY STUDENT deserves access to a high-quality education and am committed to ensuring that EACH STUDENT receives the individualized support they need to succeed in college, careers, and life.
My compassion and understanding for the community and the needs of students – your children and grandchildren – is what drives me to ensure that the excellent programs already in place at the San Joaquin County Office of Education continue to thrive under my leadership. And I am fully committed to expanding the SJCOE’s innovative programs and services based on the needs of our community and school districts.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing educators today?
As we continue to recover from the pandemic and teacher shortage, educators need support now more than ever. It is essential that we provide educators with the support and tools they need to best serve their students. This not only applies to academics, it also applies to meeting the increased social and emotional needs of our students.
Is there a specific area of concern you would address first as superintendent?
Since my appointment as the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools, my priorities have focused on expanding Career Technical Education; collaborating with partners for student mental health and well-being; working to integrate concepts of access and equity into policies and practices; promoting early education and early literacy initiatives; and continuing to develop a teacher pipeline to meet the teacher shortage and grow the profession locally.
Why should people cast their vote for you?
Under my leadership as the current County Superintendent of Schools, the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) offers programs that meet the needs of individuals and families – from our county’s youngest learners in our early childhood education programs to adults in our diploma recovery programs. The SJCOE is one of the most innovative county offices of education in the state and is always looking to provide a path for students to succeed in college, careers, and life.
Brian Biedermann and Troy Brown will face off for the Superintendent of Schools position in the June 7 election; the candidate polling the most votes will win the post.
