I am the first and only woman to be the superintendent of California schools, and I believe training and experience matter. Because of my experience and beliefs, I enthusiastically endorse Sam Neustadt to be the next superintendent of Yolo County schools. Let me stress that I support Sam because of his experience, his integrity and his proven track record.

By way of full disclosure, Sam worked for me at the California Department of Education. He was part of an amazing group of professionals who worked hard to improve the practice and morale of the department. Sam was a wonderful member of my team.

Beyond that, he has served as a teacher, a principal (at three award-winning Distinguished Schools), a state department employee and a member of the Solano County school administration. He is the executive of his local Special Education Local Plan Area and is very well-respected in the special education community regionally and statewide.

Twenty years ago, Sam’s opponent made a career choice to go into higher education. The reality is that Jesse Ortiz left K-12 public school administration for higher education counseling and administration. His administrative credential in K-12 education lapsed for almost two decades.

I appreciate his service as a local school board member and later a county board member, but his day-to-day job has been in higher education. Several hours a month of board work is not the equivalent of day-to-day work in the K-12 arena at a time of extraordinary change and challenge.

Sam Neustadt is my candidate for Yolo County superintendent of schools. He has the leadership experience, the tenacity and the vision to do the increasingly demanding work. He is a kind, good man and I hope this county will put his commitment to K-12 education and leadership at the top of its criteria for this position. He will put the children first, as he always has, and I support him wholeheartedly.

Delaine Eastin
Davis

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