Testimonials from community leaders

“As lifelong teachers Wendy and I know Andrew’s significant skills, experience, and commitment to community will provide effective leadership and guidance to our local schools.” --Lowell and Wendy Hurst, longtime PVUSD educators, Watsonville City
Council member

“Andrew Goldenkranz will bring a deep commitment to public education to the PVUSD board, as well as a wealth of wisdom, relationships, knowledge and skills sorely needed as the district moves forward.”--Gary Bloom, retired bilingual teacher, principal, and superintendent

“PVUSD faces major federal funding cuts, attacks on immigrant families, and contentious curriculum debates—challenges that demand experienced, compassionate leadership. That’s why I’m endorsing Andrew Goldenkranz for District 1.” --Maria Gitin Torres, voting rights activist

“As South County residents with decades of community involvement, we have the highest regard for Andrew Goldenkranz.  As a lifelong educator and community organizer, Andrew has always championed student rights.  How lucky we are to have such a quality individual to run for the school board.  With strained political and district-wide discord, he will bring his sense of calm, not to mention extensive skills and experience, to introduce achievable solutions to bring people together”.--Leola Lapides and Bob Katz

Andrew has the ability to connect with people across the community which makes him an excellent leader. As a former educator he understands that a strong foundation for students and schools are built when parents, educators, students, and community members work together. I believe Andrew will be a thoughtful, transparent, and effective voice for PVUSD.--Rachel Williams, Santa Cruz County Office of Education Board member

I have had the pleasure of knowing Andrew for more than thirty years. During that time, I have seen firsthand the tremendous experience and dedication he brings to his work. Andrew has served in and around schools in a variety of capacities over many years, giving him a deep understanding of students, families, educators, and school communities. While his broad range of skills and expertise is impressive, his greatest gift is his genuine care for people. You will often find Andrew working behind the scenes, supporting students, parents, teachers, and administrators alike. He is someone who listens, shows up when needed, and invests himself fully in helping others succeed. Andrew truly cares, and he consistently leans in to support those around him.--Paul Jacobson, longtime Aptos resident

Andrew has been a lifelong educator who understands the needs of learners of all ages. His diverse background working with a variety of groups of people makes him a strong advocate for maintaining a strong and successful school district. --Rob Darrow, education and LGBT+ advocate

"I've known and worked alongside Andrew for many years. While his compassionate moral compass and commitment to equity-driven values make him an exceptional candidate for PVUSD Trustee, it is Andrew's ability as a community leader to bring adversaries together to find common ground and work toward mutually beneficial outcomes across issues that I believe will make him invaluable to the PVUSD Board."--Adam Spickler, Cabrillo College Trustee

“Andrew is a thoughtful, conscientious educator who cares deeply about the future of our community’s schools. He approaches challenges with care, integrity, and an equity-minded perspective that supports the development of thoughtful and effective solutions.”--Jennifer Holm, former PVUSD trustee

Andrew Goldenkranz is everything you want in an educational leader: lifelong experience in a variety of leadership positions in public education, awareness of the diversity of needs in our community, a brilliant and creative mind, and a big heart that deeply cares about the future of our children as a collective. I could not more highly recommend him for PVUSD Trustee.--Rachel Carlton Abrams, MD, MHS

Andrew Goldenkranz has been an important leader in our congregation, the county, state and nation. His wisdom as an educator, community organizer and advocate for those in need of support has been invaluable. In this time of division the lack of respectful debate does not lead to productive outcomes. Andrew has the skill necessary to find solutions that can uplift positive resolutions for our community. --Rabbi Paula Marcus

Andrew is an astounding example of how to serve others and lead from core passions, and he has my full endorsement in his run to join the PVUSD Board of Trustees.   I deeply admire and fully endorse Andrew because of his lifelong dedication to advocating for others and championing proven, impactful ideas that best serve the complex, unique humans who make up the heart of our communities and schools.  While serving as President of our district teachers union from 2023-2026 and advising students at our school in ongoing climate advocacy efforts at the district level alongside Andrew for multiple years, I learned a great deal and felt inspired to be an educator/community leader every single day thanks to his leadership insights, collaborative abilities, and commitment to school progress.   Andrew sincerely cares about people, he deeply understands systems, and he consistently embraces the ideas that best support students, honor educators, and serve communities. 

--Carley Anne Stavis, President, Fremont Education Association/CTA