Dublin Teachers Association Questionnaire for Alameda County School Board Candidates - Mark Harvey Trustee Area 4

On April 22nd, 2026, I submitted the following responses to the Dublin Teachers Association for consideration. I hope they publish my answers on their website, as my message of accountability, educational opportunity, and community-focused leadership will resonate with their constituents.  

DTA County School Board Candidate Questions for 2026

1. Philosophy & Motivation What’s your “why”? What inspired you to run for County Board of Education? Please provide us with a brief summary of your background, education, length of time in the community, children in our district, any connections with the teaching community, and any other information you believe is pertinent to your candidacy.

My decision to run for the Alameda County Board of Education is rooted in a commitment to students, families, and the long-term success of our public education system. As a parent, coach, and longtime community member, I have seen firsthand both the strengths of our schools and the areas where we must do better—particularly in supporting student achievement, parental engagement, and accountability. I have lived and worked in this community for many years and am deeply invested in its future.

As a father of school-aged children, I am directly connected to the day-to-day realities families face. My experience working with youth has reinforced the importance of strong schools, engaged families, and educators who are supported and respected. I am running because I believe we need leadership grounded in intelligence, integrity, and experience—leadership that prioritizes students over politics and focuses on practical solutions that improve outcomes for all children across Alameda County.

2. School Funding

I believe public education funding should be used to support and strengthen our public schools, which are designed to serve all students and remain accountable to the community. I do not support diverting public funds to private or religious institutions through vouchers or similar mechanisms, particularly when many public schools are already under-resourced.

Regarding charter schools, I believe they should be held to the same standards of accountability, transparency, and equity as traditional public schools. Any expansion should be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not negatively impact the funding or stability of neighborhood public schools.

My priority is ensuring that every public school in Alameda County is adequately and equitably funded. That means directing resources where they are most needed and making sure investments reach classrooms, support educators, and improve student outcomes. Strong public schools are essential, and I am committed to policies that protect their funding and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education.

3. Curriculum Do you believe that licensed, credentialed teachers, working within adopted curriculum frameworks, should have professional autonomy over instructional methods and classroom materials? How would you respond as a board member to organized efforts to remove books or restrict curriculum based on parental or political pressure?

I believe in the importance of professional, credentialed educators and trust teachers to deliver instruction aligned with established curriculum standards. Their training and experience are essential to meeting the diverse needs of students.

At the same time, I believe in maintaining open and respectful communication with families. When concerns arise, they should be addressed through thoughtful, inclusive processes that bring educators, parents, and community members together.

As a board member, I would oppose efforts that undermine inclusive, fact-based curriculum, and instead support approaches that reflect the diversity of our students and prepare them for success in a multicultural society.

4 Union Relations and Collective Bargaining 

Do you commit to supporting fully-funded collective bargaining agreements and opposing any measures that would reduce teacher compensation, benefits, or due process rights? Please describe a specific action you would take as a board member to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention.

I believe that supporting educators means respecting the collective bargaining process and ensuring that teachers and school staff are treated fairly and professionally.

Attracting and retaining high-quality educators requires competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a supportive working environment. I support good-faith bargaining and agreements that reflect the value educators bring to our schools.

As a board member, I would advocate for policies that strengthen recruitment and retention—such as supporting educator housing initiatives, reducing unnecessary burdens, and ensuring teachers have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.

5. Endorsements and Campaign Contributions From where do you expect to receive your main financial commitments? Who else has endorsed you so far?

As a grassroots campaign I am not fundraising. My campaign is rooted in community support, and I am proud to be building a coalition of parents, educators, and local residents who care deeply about the future of our public schools. I am actively engaging with community organizations and stakeholders across Alameda County and would be honored to earn the support of groups that are committed to equity, strong public schools, and student success.

Mark Harvey

Candidate, Alameda Board of Education - Trustee Area 4

markharvey.org