Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly described the requirements to run for the board of trustees. Candidates must live in the area they would like to represent.
Sequoia Union High School District Trustee Shawneece Stevenson has decided not to run for reelection, according to a statement sent to this news organization.
“It has been an honor to serve our youth and community since 2020 in my role as a trustee,” she said. “As my term ends, I have decided not to seek another term in order to prioritize my health, family commitments and enjoy my new role as a first time grandmother.”
Stevenson was elected to the board in 2020 to represent Area E, which includes East Palo Alto and North Fair Oaks.
In the past four years, Stevenson and the board have dealt with multiple controversies, starting with the resignation of then-Superintendent Mary Streshly over her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resignation of her replacement, Darnise Williams, parents anger over the district’s detracking initiative and controversies surrounding an ethnic studies presentation on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Stevenson’s colleague, Trustee Carrie Du Bois, also decided not to run for reelection, saying “it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation of parents in the district.”
In her statement, Stevenson reflected on the achievements of the district in the past four years:
- “Managing and making immediate decisions on the impacts of COVID on schools like opening schools,
- Advocating for a framework that equips educators with the tools to implement effective academic and behavioral strategies catering to our diverse student needs;
- Approving the English Language Learners Plan, which led to the establishment of a new Welcome Center and supports;
- Getting voter-approved bond aimed at renovating and enhancing the infrastructure and classrooms;
- Enhancing district structure and services through two new positions, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Executive Director of People, Culture, and Collaboration, to better support for all students;
- Establishing a Living the Promise Initiative in collaboration with Canada College, San Francisco State University, and California State University – East Bay that enable our students to increase early college access and preparation (8th-12th grade); develop a pathway for our adult students (Sequoia Adult School), and expand our Middle College Program;
- Launching of See Something Say Something Anonymous Reporting System in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise;
- Launching the District’s Interactive Dashboard to stay abreast on the key indicators to measure student performance
- Recognizing the closure of Ravenswood High School in 1976 and honoring the Ravenswood Alumni for commitment to the East Palo Alto and Menlo Park students; and
- Publishing of our community driven 3-year Strategic Plan 2024-27.”
Since the incumbent is not running for reelection, the deadline for candidates to file for the Area E seat is extended to Aug. 14 at 5 p.m.
