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<span class="image image-framed image-center" style="width: 100%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/edaf66fe-6a7a-4e55-b8f5-5b9e86a8c8dc/025acb3e-498b-44c8-933f-8bfbc0637d5c/025acb3e-498b-44c8-933f-8bfbc0637d5c.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=33&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C517%2C412&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none;"></span></span><p><strong>This is our community. We can have great schools if we work together on common goals that directly relate to student success</strong></p>

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<h2>Core beliefs about eduction</h2>

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<p>The essential relationship in education is between the teacher and student. Everything else needs to support that</p>

<p>The relentless focus of a school board needs to be on student outcomes. This must be the majority effort of the district.</p>

<p>The goals of education include civic engagement for students to learn to take their place in a complex society</p>

<p>Fighting for a level playing field for students to thrive.</p>

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<h1>Teaching K-16, pioneering school improvement, engaging students in public discourse, and advancing policies to improve education.&nbsp;</h1>

Read below for some of our top priorities

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<h4>Re-establish trust and collaboration  </h4>

<h4>Relentless focus on student achievement</h4>

<h4>Transparency in $$ and decision making</h4>

<h4>Better use of data to inform decisions</h4>

<h4>Student health and wellness support</h4>

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3><p>These are some of the <strong>top priorities</strong> that focus our campaign.</p><span class="image image-framed image-center" style="width: 100%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/edaf66fe-6a7a-4e55-b8f5-5b9e86a8c8dc/7ee5c124-9392-4bf4-8bff-c9f4b30617f7/7ee5c124-9392-4bf4-8bff-c9f4b30617f7.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4032%2C3024&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none;"></span></span><span class="image image-framed image-center" style="width: 100%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/edaf66fe-6a7a-4e55-b8f5-5b9e86a8c8dc/4db0e3e4-822b-4754-be14-1a73aab37ca8/4db0e3e4-822b-4754-be14-1a73aab37ca8.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=31&amp;rect=0%2C1007%2C2772%2C1907&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none;"></span></span>

Priorities List

<p><strong>--Aptos resident since 1993</strong></p><p><strong>--37 years in public education including 9 years at PVUSD as a teacher and administrator</strong></p><p><strong>--Proud parent of two PVUSD graduates, Valencia/AJHS/AHS</strong></p><p><strong>--Led a national standards-based teacher training institute for life science teachers, partnering with the National Academies of Science, the CDC, The American Museum of Natural History, and Princeton University.</strong></p><p><strong>--Led a regional effort to implement climate awareness curriculum</strong></p><p><strong>--A lifetime of community service including improving health care access, opportunities for affordable housing, and getting people a seat at the table who historically have not had one.</strong></p><p></p><p></p>

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<h2>Your Name for Political Office</h2>

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<h1>Volunteer</h1>

<h2>Headline Text Here</h2>

<h2>Experience, Advocacy, and Community</h2><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/edaf66fe-6a7a-4e55-b8f5-5b9e86a8c8dc/159b9fb8-fa6b-4d08-83f8-0a3d0160ae66/777383f6-db99-44b8-bfec-779305ab46f8.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=25&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C2966&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none;"></span></span><h4>I've spent 37 years in education as a teacher, vice principal, principal/superintendent, and proud union member. I've advocated for students inside and outside of the classroom, and I'm running for PVUSD Trustee Area 1 (Aptos east of the freeway and Corralitos).</h4><h4>My mom was an award winning reading teacher and taught me the importance of working with <em><u>all</u></em> students--especially the kids who need the most help.</h4><ul><li><p>I became a teacher because education is the backbone of a thriving community. I firmly believe that great schools can make great neighborhoods. And along the way I've learned from districts all around the state and country about where real improvement is happening. I'm very careful to use data to measure the impact of innovation, so we are getting a payoff in student learning. Early in my career, I had the benefit of learning from some master social education teachers, so understanding differentiation, feedback, and the need for a welcoming environment became  part of my educational DNA.</p></li><li><p>I've pioneered new curriculum (building AP Biology and the interdisciplinary Global Health Odyssey at Aptos High), was technology and standardized testing coordinator (where I learned a ton about student achievement data, led the charge for strengthened math requirements, and increased enrollment in STEM curriculum. I became the VP of curriculum and instruction at AHS. I also wrote two popular study guides to accompany best selling novels and films in science--<em>Jurassic Park </em>and <em>The Hot Zone</em>. My <em>Hot Zone</em> study guide got banned in Kansas!</p></li><li><p>I led a team that reduced the D and F rate in the required 9th grade health class from 15% to under 3% over a five year period by implementing more project based learning, authentic assessment, and revision and redemption grading policies. Later, in Cupertino, we reduced the biology D and F rate from 9% to under 2%. Progress is possible when you pay attention and mean it,</p></li><li><p>At the same time I was selected to lead a national foundation funded teacher training program, partnering with the standards group of the National Academy of Sciences, The Museum of Natural History in New York, and the CDC. We served hundreds of districts and thousands of teachers in implementing new standards based science learning at the middle and high school level.</p></li><li><p>Three years running a high performing charter school and working for the California Charter School Association coaching new schools and developing a value-added assessment tool for school performance.</p></li><li><p>In 2008, my family and I decided I needed to go back to the classroom. I left school administration and spent the last 17 years of my career in Cupertino. This is a district with 37 home languages, so language access and development was always important. I taught, became a department chair and administrator, and ended by leading interdisciplinary climate awareness and implementation of new climate literacy requirement via SB 385.</p><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/edaf66fe-6a7a-4e55-b8f5-5b9e86a8c8dc/d44e2db1-e820-4fe5-a832-2582cad0053a/d44e2db1-e820-4fe5-a832-2582cad0053a.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=18&amp;rect=155%2C507%2C3783%2C1772&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none;"></span></span></li><li><p>Throughout my adult life I've been dedicated to public and community service. Currently, I serve on community boards including:</p></li><li><p>Santa Cruz Community Health</p></li><li><p>Housing Santa Cruz County</p></li><li><p>COPA</p></li><li><p>Community Bridges</p></li><li><p>Santa Cruz County Democratic Party</p><p></p></li><li><p>Now, my kids are grown and gone, I recently retired from my career as an educator, and after watching PVUSD face one large challenge after another while lacking community trust, I've decided it's time to give back.</p></li></ul><h5>I would be honored to earn your vote in the 2026 election</h5><p></p>

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<h1>Issues</h1>

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<p><strong><em><u>All means all.</u></em> </strong>We need to work together to help all students thrive and succeed.</p>

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<p><strong>The PVUSD board needs to rebuild trust in the community in order to have the ability to move forward sustainably.</strong></p><p></p>

<h2>Our Campaign’s Top Issues</h2>

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<h2>How to handle donations on your website</h2><p><strong>Run does not process donations directly on our platform,</strong> as is standard with most political and advocacy sites.</p><p><strong>Campaigns are often required to comply with reporting requirements, donation limits, and other regulations, so using a donation processor that specializes in serving campaigns is generally a good idea.</strong><br></p><p>Sign up with a donation processor and then on your Pages sidebar, click the Link icon on the Donate page and add the link to your donation page. Some common options for donation processing include:</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>ActBlue</strong></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.campaigndeputy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Campaign Deputy</strong></a><strong><br></strong></p></li><li><p><a href="https://goodchange.app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>GoodChange</strong></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://numero.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Numero</strong></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.ngpvan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>NGP VAN</strong></a></p></li></ul>

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<h1>Events</h1>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong>Testimonials from community leaders</strong></span></p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong>“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.”</strong></span><strong>&nbsp;<em>--Lowell and Wendy Hurst, longtime PVUSD educators, Watsonville City </em></strong><br><strong><em>Council member</em></strong><br></p><p><strong>“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.”<em>--Gary Bloom, retired bilingual teacher, principal, and superintendent</em></strong></p><p><strong>“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.”&nbsp;<em>--Maria Gitin Torres, voting rights activist</em></strong></p><p><strong>“As South County residents with decades of community involvement, we have the highest regard for Andrew Goldenkranz.&nbsp; As a lifelong educator and community organizer, Andrew has always championed student rights.&nbsp; How lucky we are to have such a quality individual to run for the school board.&nbsp; 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”.<em>--Leola Lapides and Bob Katz</em></strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong>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.<em>--Rachel Williams, Santa Cruz County Office of Education Board member</em></strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">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.<em>--Paul Jacobson, longtime Aptos resident</em></strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong>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. <em>--Rob Darrow, education and LGBT+ advocate</em></strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">"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."</strong><strong><em>--Adam Spickler, Cabrillo College Trustee</em></strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong>“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.”<em>--Jennifer Holm, former PVUSD trustee</em></strong></span></p><p><strong>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.--<em>Rachel Carlton Abrams, MD, MHS</em></strong></p><p><strong>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&nbsp;not lead to productive outcomes. Andrew has the skill necessary to find solutions that can uplift positive resolutions for our community.&nbsp;<em>--Rabbi Paula Marcus</em></strong></p><p><strong>Andrew is an astounding example of how to serve others and lead from&nbsp;core passions, and he has my full endorsement in his run to join the PVUSD Board of Trustees.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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&nbsp;the heart of our communities and schools.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp; Andrew sincerely cares about&nbsp;people, he deeply understands systems, and he consistently embraces the ideas that best support students, honor educators, and serve communities.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong><em>--Carley Anne Stavis, President, Fremont Education Association/CTA</em></strong></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>

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<p>Dedicated to service and building bridges in the community</p>

<h1>Why I'm running for Trustee Area 1</h1>

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<h4>Andrew Goldenkranz Announces Bid for PVUSD</h4>

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<h4>Campaign Kickoff</h4>

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<p><strong>High performing districts regularly spend 50% or more of their time on issues that are directly related to monitoring student achievement. PVUSD regularly spends less than 10% of board time on this most essential topic. There are many great teachers and some outstanding learning and achievement, but those are islands rather than representative of a systemwide commitment to student success</strong></p>

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<h2>Focus on student achievement</h2>

<p><strong>Decisions are often made in secrecy while study groups have unfinished business,  and important people are not present for input and discussion. There is little transparency in budget and planning, or student achievement. Consultants are hired and renewed without clear definitions about scope of work and deliverables. The strategic plan has more "activity goals" and not enough "outcome goals".</strong></p>

<h2>Transparency and sustainable decision making</h2>

<p><strong>The board currently models bad behavior for our kids. Staff and district management don't trust each other. No confidence votes in leadership. People are not at the table where decisions are made. No wonder the community is not confident in the district.</strong></p>

<h2>Rebuilding trust</h2>

<p><strong>The end of Covid funding, declining enrollment, and budget cuts led to large layoffs of counseling and support professionals. There was no clear commitment to the continuity of care for kids who need it. As of now (June 2026) there is no clear path or restructuring of contracts with non profit partners.  This system needs to be restructured with sustainable partners to support student needs. </strong></p>

<h2>Charting the future of mental health and wellness</h2>

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<p><strong>I've watched budget debates and collective bargaining debates where different sides are using different information. Student programs are evaluated without data about accomplishments or regular progress reports. There are conflicting data platforms that prevent a coherent approach to using data to measure achievement. Students do not regularly have learning plans with benchmarks for progress.</strong></p>

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