
Endorsements
"I support Jennifer Williams’ re-election campaign without reservation. While serving with Jennifer on the Board of Education I have gotten to know and respect her. Jennifer is an excellent AUSD Board member who has a strong moral compass that is evident in the decisions she makes to ensure that equity and social justice are the basis for decision-making. She is smart, well-prepared, and cares deeply about all students and families in AUSD. More importantly, Jennifer leads with a clear and deep conviction for what is right, and with values we all share – equality, equity, a strong commitment to social justice, and a commitment to interrupt the systemic racism that exists in our educational system. Jennifer has shown us she has the courage to make tough decisions. It has been an honor to serve with her and I sincerely believe she can be counted on be a strong and stable voice on our Board of Education."
-Dr. Ardella Dailey, Trustee, Alameda Board of Education
"I am honored and proud to endorse Jennifer Williams for reelection to the school board. Having the privilege of serving alongside Jennifer on the Social Service Human Relations Board, I have seen her deep, deep commitment to achieving equity for our children, youth and their families. During these most challenging times, it is important for our students to have some consistency of leadership, knowing that there are adults who will stand by their side and help them not only survive these challenges, but thrive. Jennifer was instrumental in connecting APC families with the District to ensure our technological needs could be met, and as a result we were online and ready to go when distance learning began."
-Doug Biggs, Executive Director, Alameda Point Collaborative (for identification purposes only)
"I am excited to wholeheartedly endorse Jennifer Williams for the Alameda School Board. As the CEO of a nonprofit who is a long-term partner with the district and as an AUSD parent, I have seen Jennifer continuously fight for all students especially our most marginalized populations. Jennifer has shown she is not afraid to tackle difficult issues like cutting district funding for specialized programming for a few schools – including her children’s own school - so district teachers could receive a raise. She has also fought to support the needs of after school programs which in turn directly supports working parents all over the island. I have seen her strong advocacy supporting special education services, securing funding from the City of Alameda to expand mental health services for AUSD students, and, through data and research, fighting for the district to do better by our African-American students in terms of academic achievement and suspension rates. As we manage through, recover, and rebuild from COVID-19 now and in the foreseeable future, I want Jennifer’s continued knowledge, dedication, and strength on the school board."
-Christine Chilcott, CEO, Girls Inc of the Island City
Vickie R. Smith, Retired AUSD McKinney Vento Liaison
Organizations
Alameda Education Association
AUSD Student Forum, 2020
Alameda Progressives
Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus
Alameda County Building and Construction Trades Council
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
Electrical Workers, Local 595
Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 342
Sprinkler Fitters, Local 483
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor, City of Alameda
Dr. Ardella Dailey, Trustee, Alameda Board of Education
John Knox White, Vice Mayor, City of Alameda
Wilma Chan, District 3 Supervisor, Alameda County Board of Supervisors
Tracy Jensen, Alameda Health Care District Board Member
Phong La, Alameda County Assessor
Henry Mills, Student Board Member, Alameda Board of Education
Brian Lin, Student Board Member, Alameda Board of Education
Katherine Feinstein, San Francisco Superior Court Presiding Judge, retired
Alice Lai Bitker, former Member, Alameda County Board of Supervisors
Lena Tam, former councilmember, Alameda City Council
Margie Sherratt, former Trustee, Alameda Board of Education
Mike McMahon, former Trustee, Alameda Board of Education
Ron Mooney, former Trustee, Alameda Board of Education
Bill Schaff, former Trustee, Alameda Board of Education
Phil Hu, former Trustee, Alameda Board of Education
Distinguished Community Members
Doug Biggs, Executive Director, Alameda Point Collaborative
Jim Franz
Christine Chilcott, CEO, Girls Inc. of the Island City
Judy Tam
Serena Chen
Alicia Cernitz
Jono Soglin, Esq., Executive Director, First District Appellate Project
Vickie Smith, McKinney Vento AUSD Coordinator, retired
Ron Matthews, President, Alameda Little League
Carole Robie
Vickie Sedlack
Barbara Mooney
Diane Cunningham Rizzo
Anna Johnson
Ed and Peg Kofman
Kim Krause
Laurel Gorman, Esq.
George Arroyo, Esq.
Jessica Williams, Esq.
Supreeta Sampath, Esq.
Tina and Bob Kreitz
Sarah Olaes
Amanda Shavers
Yenju Chen
Kathleen Kelly
Maggie Hunter
Zeus Leonardo
Julie Batz, Esq., President, Legal Access of Alameda, Alameda Co. Bar Assn.
Craig Smith, VP, Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assn. (AMFA)
John and Sue Devlin
Rak and Jody Balla
Christine Larsen
Jeannie Graham
Mark Hersman
Laura Katz
*partial list, titles for identification purposes only