The Vacaville Teachers Association is proud to endorse the following candidates and measures for the November 4th General Election
Vacaville School Board
Area 2 – Daniel Garcia
Area 6 – Amy Tran Russell
Area 7 – Michael Kitzes
Local Measures
Solano County Board of Education
Vacaville City Council
District 3 – Michael Silva
District 5 – Jason Roberts
Press Release – 8/30/24
The 700-member Vacaville Teachers Association, representing classroom teachers, school psychologists, counselors, school nurses, librarians, speech language pathologists and educational specialists, has announced its endorsements for the November 5th election.
For the School Board, in the two contested races, VTA has backed retired Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, and retired California Department of Justice Special Agent, Audra Orr, for Area 4. For Area 7, VTA has backed the incumbent, Michael Kitzes, a Mental Health Services Manager at Solano County. For the uncontested races in Area 2 and Area 6, the Union endorsed Daniel Garcia and Amy Tran Russell.
“Both Audra and Michael bring incredible depth and a deeply empathic perspective to the board,” Brenda Hensley, a Will C. Wood High math teacher and VTA President, said of the union’s endorsement. “They both understand the importance of representing the entire community, without any sort of pre-existing agenda, because the children of Vacaville deserve someone who is looking for their interests and has made collaboration a core part of their campaign”
Additionally, VTA has endorsed retired Pediatrician Bonnie Hamilton for Area 2 for the Solano County Board of Education. Hamilton, who ran for the seat in 2020 but lost by two votes, will be supported by a coalition of educators and community partners around Solano County, since the Trustee Area covers multiple cities, as well as Napa and Solano Counties.
“Bonnie is just the sort of person we want on the County Board of Education,” said Jaxie Murray, a Transitional Kindergarten teacher at Markham Elementary School and VTA Vice-President. “She’s pragmatic and empathetic, which are just the sorts of values I work to impart upon my students. I’m really pleased that we’ve supported someone who, like myself, has dedicated their lives to helping children.”
In addition to the various candidates for local school board, VTA is part of the coalition endorsing Measure E, a $317 million dollar General Obligation bond for school facilities projects around Vacaville.
“This is really a no-brainer,” said Murray. “Our district is growing and, as a result of this, many of our schools are full to the brim. This bond would also improve safety and security at our schools, while updating older schools which desperately need the improvements.”
Finally, the Union has endorsed Jason Roberts for the Vacaville City Council, District 5 and past VUSD Trustee, Michael Silva for the Vacaville City Council, District 3.
“Here’s the thing,” said Hensley, about these endorsements. “The City Council doesn’t oversee Vacaville’s schools, but one of the first things any Council Member will be asked by anyone with a family who is contemplating a move to Vacaville is about the quality of our schools – and we’re proud to endorse two candidates who believe in collaboration and are huge supporters of public schools in our community.”
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