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Community Corner

Castro Valley teachers support Howard and Theodore for school board

Castro Valley teachers have endorsed candidates Gary Howard and Dorothy “Dot” Theodore for the 2014 school board race.

“The Castro Valley Teachers Association is thrilled to endorse candidates who support the best interest of our students,” said CVTA President Alicia Gholami. “Dot Theodore and Gary Howard are both advocates for the students of Castro Valley.”

Howard, 64, has lived in Castro Valley for more than 20 years and served on the school board since 2012 when trustees appointed him to fill a vacant seat. He's the father of two daughters who graduated from Castro Valley High School. Howard served for two years as president of the Proctor Parent Teacher Association and for five years as president of the Castro Valley Educational Foundation. Heworks as a manager of scientific editing at Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco.

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“Gary Howard has proven countless times that he listens to the concerns of parents, teachers, and community members and works to resolve problems,” said Gholami.

“Our great schools in Castro Valley are no accident,” said Howard. “They are the result of a partnership with dedicated educators, parents, and community members. I am very honored to be endorsed by the teachers in Castro Valley, and I look forward to continuing that great partnership in the future.”

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Theodore, 43, has two children attending Castro Valley Elementary School, where she volunteers in the classroom and served two years as president of the Parent and Teacher Association. A 10-year Castro Valley resident, she serves on the school district's Local Control Accountability Plan steering committee. Theodore also led the Eden Area Livability Initiative, spearheading an effort to install sidewalks and improve pedestrian safety. She's currently pursuing a masters degree in public health from UC Berkeley and works as a research associate at Tunitas Therapeutics in San Francisco.

“Dot Theodore possesses the energy and intellect to make a difference in our Castro Valley school system,” Gholami said.

“I will work to engage the entire community, particularly those who are new to our community and whose perspective might not be easily heard. By engaging and truly listening to the CVUSD community, we will expand upon CVUSD’s long tradition of academic excellence,” Theodore said. “I will be an approachable and accessible advocate for our parents, teachers, staff, and students.”


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