Judge PVUSD candidates by their records
As members of the PVUSD community, including a former principal, a former trustee, a parent alliance president and a Sustainable Schools Advisory Committee member, we share the Sentinel’s desire for a respectful, effective school board. But we believe Mads Realmuto is the better choice for Trustee Area 7.
The Sentinel acknowledges Realmuto’s expertise and dedication but takes Navarro at her word that she will de-escalate conflict. After two years in office, her record has not given us the same confidence. Realmuto has earned broad support from teachers, classified staff, parents and former district leaders who know PVUSD’s challenges firsthand, including those who have worked alongside him in schools and on district committees.
Our support for Realmuto rests on his preparation and judgment. His leadership in the Special Education Community Advisory Committee, service on the Sustainable Schools Advisory and nearly two decades in public affairs offer relevant experience for the difficult decisions ahead.
The budget provides an important distinction. Navarro has defended the staffing reductions she supported. We have seen the harm caused by eliminating positions without first assessing the consequences. Removing a position does not remove the need for its work. Cuts that ultimately cost more than they save serve neither students nor the budget.
Realmuto emphasizes evaluating needs, impacts and alternatives before making reductions—and checking whether promised savings materialize. That is not resistance to difficult decisions; it is fiscal responsibility. The same scrutiny must guide school consolidation, including its educational benefits, costs and consequences.
His commitment to community engagement is already evident. He actively participates in school meetings, advocates for meaningful community involvement in school consolidation and has expanded participation in the special education Community Advisory Committee. He listens to learn and seeks to understand different perspectives to help improve our district—treating parents and community members as part of the solution.
Civility and independent oversight are not competing responsibilities. PVUSD needs trustees who work constructively with the superintendent while examining the data, testing proposals and their underlying assumptions, and holding leadership accountable for results, not simply approving its recommendations. Realmuto brings that commitment to accountability and independent judgment. The goal is not simply a quieter board, but one that makes better decisions for students. That is why we support Mads Realmuto.
Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, Former Principal, Aptos High School
Jennifer Schacker, Former Trustee, PVUSD
Janie Alderete Black, Rio del Mar Parent Alliance President
Artemisa Cortez, Member, PVUSD Sustainable Schools Advisory Committee
