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By Kalimah Salahuddin and Karim Tulloch
As a former school board member and longtime advocate for educational access, I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated leaders. Few have embodied a commitment to every student as deeply as Héctor Camacho. Héctor and I first met while serving together on the San Mateo County School Boards Association. We connected immediately because we shared the same purpose: ensuring that all students—no matter their background—receive a high‑quality and accessible education. That belief isn’t just something Héctor talks about. It is who he is at his core. He has consistently used his platform to fight for students to have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
My son, Karim, is one of those students whose life was shaped by the San Mateo County Office of Education. From here, I’ll let him share his own story:
From Karim: “I attended the County preschool and received my early childhood education through the County Office of Education. That early support helped me graduate from high school with my diploma—something people told my mom might never happen when I was first diagnosed with autism. Today, I live on my own as a proud Redwood City resident. I have wanted to live on my own for many years. The services I received as a young child helped me do that.”
As a mother, I know firsthand what it means when a system works the way it should. When we have strong leadership—leadership grounded in experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of our communities—students succeed. Families succeed. Stories like my son’s become possible.
That is why this election matters. We need a County Superintendent who can lead on day one, someone who understands the diverse needs of our county and has the background to meet them. Héctor Camacho has spent 25 years as a teacher in San Mateo County classrooms and currently serves in the County Office of Education. He knows our students, our educators, and our communities—especially those in the North County, whose unique challenges have too often been overlooked.
For my son, and for me, this choice is personal. We believe in a future where every child has the chance to succeed, just as Karim did. We believe Héctor is the leader who will help make that future real.
We hope you will join both of us in supporting Héctor Camacho for San Mateo County Superintendent on June 2.
Kalimah Salahuddin, Proud Mom and Karim Tulloch, Proud Redwood City Resident
