Educator Update: How does a fresh perspective compare to experience in a school board election? 

Local news in the classroom: Your weekly roundup Oct. 14, 2026

Good afternoon,

We hope the school year is going well! With important decisions ahead for the Pajaro Valley School District, this week’s Educator Alert takes a look at the two candidates for Area IV’s school board seat. The candidates offer different perspectives and experiences, as well as different priorities regarding school district improvements. 

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Highlighted story with discussion questions

Pajaro Valley school board: Incumbent Daniel Dodge Jr. faces recent high school graduate Eriberto Estrada in Area IV race 

Why it matters: 

An 18-year-old recent graduate and an eight-year incumbent compete for PVUSD’s Board Trustee Area IV seat. The winner will help the district face several challenges, including potential school closures, declining enrollment, financial instability, staff retention and burnout, and questions around how to prioritize spending a $315 million bond measure. 

Eriberto Estrada, who recently graduated from Pajaro Valley High, offers a student’s perspective as well as knowledge of the demands on educators, being the son of a PVUSD teacher. He also advocates for more “creative” district spending as opposed to closing schools.

Meanwhile, eight-year incumbent Daniel Dodge Jr. points to his near-decade of experience as a trustee and record of infrastructure improvements. 

Comparing each candidate’s platform, the article allows students to consider the role of representation and leadership in decisions that affect their schools.

In the classroom: 

Share: What does a school board member do? 

Communicating with both the superintendent and the community, a school board member helps manage and create long-term policies and plans for a school district rather than the day-to-day duties involved in running a school. 

Ask: 

• If you were elected to your local school board, what would your priorities be? 
• What personal moments made Estrada and Dodge Jr. want to run for the board seat? How can personal experiences impact our participation in civic issues as well as our priority of issues?
• What advantages might a recent graduate bring to a school board that older members might not? What advantages might an experienced board member bring that a first-time candidate might not?
• Why should school board members listen to an array of voices, such as students, teachers, and parents?

More current events

Here’s a few other Lookout stories you might find interesting. Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.

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CALIFORNIA NEWS

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The highlighted story above and others like it prompt consideration of the importance of representation and civic engagement in local communities, allowing students to think critically about the issues school board members face and their methods for solving them.

Students can compare the differences in experience and perspective between the two candidates and reflect on their application to school decisions. By doing this, students are able to better understand the role of local government in their everyday lives and feel empowered to participate in civic discussions themselves. 

I hope this story gives you an easy starting point for a discussion, question or lesson this week.

If there’s a local issue you’d like help bringing into your classroom, or if you’d like to learn more about our school programs or schedule a classroom visit, reach out anytime at jamie@lookoutlocal.com or education@lookoutlocal.com

Best,

Ava Salinas 

Lead Educational Programs Fellow

Lookout Santa Cruz