McKinleyville Educator Backs Newman for State Schools Chief

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Our schools face serious challenges: declining enrollment, shrinking budgets, staffing shortages, transportation barriers, and only slow gains in student achievement statewide. These problems cannot be solved from Sacramento alone. They require a leader who understands the very different realities facing California’s urban, suburban, and rural communities. Humboldt County voters and families should pay close attention to who is running to lead California’s schools. Candidate Josh Newman has already shown us something important, he listens and he cares about Humboldt County.

Josh Newman was the only candidate who took the time to come to Humboldt County and listen directly to our community. He did not simply campaign from Sacramento or Southern California. He came here. He met with students, teachers, principals, superintendents, and education leaders. He also took the time to visit Academy of the Redwoods, Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods, recognizing that education in our region is deeply connected from K–12 through higher education.

Too often, leaders seeking statewide office overlook the North Coast and fail to comprehend the unique challenges facing Humboldt County schools. Josh Newman understands because he came here and learned. For rural communities like ours, that matters.

Josh Newman is an Army veteran, entrepreneur, educator, former state senator, nonprofit leader, and father — a combination of service, leadership, and real-world understanding that is exactly what California needs right now. As a state senator and former chair of the Senate Education Committee, he has worked directly on education policy, student support systems, and workforce development.

Josh Newman has a clear vision for students in California and a thoughtful plan for strengthening our schools. Most importantly, he has shown that every community matters..

Humboldt County was not an afterthought for him, and that says a great deal. California needs a superintendent with both vision and a willingness to listen to all parts of the state.. Join me in voting for Josh Newman as our next State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Sincerely,
Jessica Callahan
McKinleyville, CA