VOTE411 Voter Guide

My top 3 priorities when I am elected to this office are: (1) a countywide all-grade level reading initiative, to be developed in collaboration with early education professionals, literacy specialists, community-based partners who provide after-school supplemental reading supports, parents, educators, students, and school districts throughout the county; (2) a transparency initiative for the County Office of Education, to be developed in collaboration with the County Board of Education, wherein Board Members will have a clear understanding of how the County Office Budget (which is approved by the Board) is tied to the COE and Board’s strategic goals and priorities, supported by open communication pathways for the Board and the COE team and inclusion of the Board in ongoing and new initiatives that they have an interest in, and (3) a focused effort to revitalize and prioritize funding and resources, including improved staffing and community based organizational involvement, for the Court (Hillcrest) and Community (Gateway & Canyon Oaks) schools of the County Board, which are operated by the County Office of Education, and a focus on working collaboratively with the County Board of Education to ensure that programming, courses of study, assessments, and enrichment opportunities are robust and are resulting in measurably better outcomes for our at-promise students, as evidenced by regularly reported and scrutinized qualitative and quantitative data.

Chelsea Bonini Teacher | Attorney | Education Trustee

I am running for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools because every student must have access to an excellent education, strong mental health supports, and well-funded schools. As a current and twice-elected San Mateo County Board of Education Trustee, I prioritize literacy, safety, wellness, disability rights, college and career pathways, workforce housing, sustainable education funding, and wise expenditures of tax dollars.

For 30+ years, I have served our families and students as an elementary school teacher, community volunteer, mental health advocate, attorney, law professor, and non-profit leader. I served on the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission, San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities, San Mateo County Office of Education Personnel Commission, and the San Mateo-Foster City School District Board of Trustees.

I have experience in early childhood education, reading instruction, special education, mental health, budget oversight, countywide school district operations, team leadership, and contract negotiation. I have also lead community initiatives, built strategic alliances, and supported educators and families. My experience is further informed by my B.S. in Elementary Education & Psychology, law degree, education-related client representation, and M.A. in Educational Administration & Leadership.

I am dedicated to ensuring that every student excels in our rapidly-evolving world. I am proud to be endorsed by the California Teachers Association, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, educators, parents, and community members. My leadership will always be responsive to your concerns, ideas, and priorities, and I respectfully ask for your vote. www.votebonini.com

My three priorities are:

1. Early literacy and strong academic foundations.

Every child deserves to read at or above grade level by third grade. I will strengthen early learning by partnering with parents, educators, and local providers to align instruction from preschool through third grade and expand access to high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction. This includes investing in early identification and support so students who are struggling are not left behind.

I will also ensure strong reading, writing, and critical thinking instruction across all grade levels so students can access rigorous coursework, including STEM and the arts, and graduate prepared for college, careers, and civic life. That means more students on track by third grade and prepared to succeed through high school and beyond.

2. Safe and supportive schools.

Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected. I will work with local districts, families, and community-based organizations to strengthen student well-being, including access to mental health supports, and ensure all students can fully participate in school. This includes improving attendance, building strong relationships, and supporting positive school climates that keep students in school and engaged in learning.

3. Pathways to college, careers, and a strong local workforce.

Our schools must better connect learning to real opportunities. I will expand career pathways, strengthen partnerships with local employers and colleges, and support hands-on, work-based learning. I will also prioritize recruiting and retaining a strong educator workforce, including creating pathways into the profession for local residents.

Finally, I will advocate for the funding needed to support and retain educators, including fair compensation and access to childcare and workforce housing, so our schools and communities can thrive.

I have spent the last 27 years working in education as a teacher, counselor, and school leader, serving students and families across the region. I was raised in San Mateo County and attended our public schools, and today I am the only candidate in this race with children currently attending our local public schools. This work is both professional and deeply personal to me.

After beginning my career as a bilingual classroom aide, I went on to teach high school history and civics, build student support and mental health programs, and work directly with young people and families to help them navigate school, college, and career pathways. I have led teams, secured public and philanthropic funding, and managed complex budgets to deliver results. I currently serve as an Executive Director at the San Mateo County Office of Education, working in partnership with districts to ensure student safety and well-being and support teaching and learning. I also served for 11 years on the San Mateo County Board of Education, including three consecutive terms as Board President, where I helped oversee county programs, budgets, and policy.

As inaugural Dean of Admissions at Reach University, I led efforts to address the teacher shortage by building and expanding pathways into the profession, particularly for local residents. This work has supported thousands of aspiring educators and partnered with school systems across multiple states to help fill critical positions.

I earned my Master’s degree in Education and teaching credential from Stanford University. I also hold a valid California Administrative Services Credential, a key legal qualification to serve as County Superintendent. I bring hands-on experience at every level of the system and a clear understanding of how to turn plans into results for students. I am proud to have the support of the last three San Mateo County Superintendents of Schools, whose service spans the past two decades.

I'd be honored to earn your vote.