Disabled Meta accounts during my campaign

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, what began as a normal and joyful day for my family quickly became one of the most disruptive experiences of my life.

This time of year, our family is deeply involved in swimming. Just the day before, my youngest daughter competed in her high school championships, achieving two personal best times and earning a gold medal—an incredibly proud and exciting moment for our family. I had also spent much of the previous week meeting with local businesses, building grassroots support for my campaign for the Alameda County Board of Education. Running a true community-based campaign requires enormous personal effort, especially without financial backing or a team.

That Saturday morning began early as we prepared for our summer league swim team’s annual time trials. Our family has proudly been part of this volunteer-driven organization for 15 years, and as the team announcer, I cherish the sense of teamwork, community, and excitement that surrounds each new season. Standing poolside, surrounded by families working together for their children, I felt grateful and optimistic.

After returning home, I planned to check in on my campaign’s social media outreach, as I had been carefully monitoring the progress of my digital engagement. Instead, I discovered I could no longer access my Facebook account. A message prompted me to upload my photo identification again—a troubling development given that I had already completed Meta’s extensive identity verification requirements due to the political nature of my campaign page.

As a candidate, Meta required me to submit identification, sign election integrity documentation, and comply with numerous advertising disclaimers before allowing me to run campaign ads. While the process had often been frustrating and opaque, I had successfully navigated those hurdles, and Meta had approved my advertisements, accepted payment, and provided performance metrics showing positive engagement.

Yet on May 2, everything changed.

At 12:59 PM PT, I received an email from Facebook stating that my account had been suspended for an alleged violation and that I had 30 days to appeal. Shockingly, just two minutes later, at 1:01 PM PT, I received another notice stating that my account had already been permanently disabled following an unsuccessful review—despite never having had the opportunity to meaningfully appeal.

Without warning, nearly 20 years of personal history disappeared.

My Facebook profile, campaign page, community pages, Instagram account, Messenger, and WhatsApp were all disabled simultaneously. Years of memories, family milestones, school communications, sports organizations, and professional networks were erased. Photos, posts, conversations, and connections built over decades were simply gone, with no meaningful explanation and no functional path to recourse.

As I spent the rest of the day researching what had happened, I came to understand how limited Meta’s support systems truly are. Users facing permanent disabling are often left trapped in automated systems, unable to communicate with a real person, submit meaningful evidence, or receive transparent explanations.

For me, this was not simply an inconvenience—it was deeply personal and potentially politically consequential.

At a critical time during an active local election campaign, the sudden removal of my digital presence significantly disrupted my ability to communicate with voters, share campaign messaging, and engage with the community. For a grassroots candidate without institutional backing, this kind of platform enforcement can have severe real-world consequences.

I have always approached social media responsibly. My guiding principle has been to keep my online presence “light, bright, and polite.” I believe in kindness, civility, and constructive dialogue. I have operated numerous pages over many years without issue. I am not a career politician. I am a father, a community advocate, and a candidate motivated by a sincere desire to improve educational outcomes for children and families across Alameda County.

This experience has profoundly underscored how centralized digital platforms now hold extraordinary power over personal identity, communication, and even democratic participation.

Today, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, I remain hopeful. I have reached out to trusted contacts in the technology sector and hope they may help restore access to at least some portion of what was lost. At this point, I would willingly sacrifice my campaign page if it meant recovering my personal accounts, family memories, and essential communication channels.

This ordeal has also caused me to reflect more deeply on the broader role of social media in our lives. While its reach is powerful, it also reveals the risks of overdependence on centralized systems. Genuine human connection—meeting neighbors, speaking directly with constituents, and building trust face-to-face—remains irreplaceable.

If you have found this message and support my campaign, I sincerely appreciate your encouragement. Your support means more than ever during this challenging time.

Thank you,

Mark Harvey

Candidate for Alameda County Board of Education

Trustee Area 4

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

Green Party Questionnaire for Alameda County School Board Candidates - Mark Harvey Trustee Area 4

On March 24, 2026, I submitted the following responses to the Alameda County Green Party 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.

1. Please give a brief summary of your background and qualifications for the County School Board.

I bring 32 years of executive experience managing $50M+ budgets and teams of 180+. As a father of four and a longtime youth coach and mentor, I combine a results-driven business mindset with a deep commitment to meeting the unique needs of every child.

2. Why are you running?

What do you believe are the main priorities for the County School Board at this time?

I am running to bring professional governance and fiscal accountability to the Board. My priorities are stabilizing district finances, closing achievement gaps, improving teacher retention, and ensuring student wellness.

3. How will you make yourself available to your constituents?

How would this be part of a general plan of accountability?

I will hold county-wide office hours, maintain a transparent digital presence, and collaborate with community groups. Clear, multi-channel communication ensures the public understands our fiscal choices and their impact on students.

4. The county has had a number of "financially challenged" districts in recent years. What do you see as systemic problems leading to this situation and what role could the County Board and the Superintendent play in addressing this and strengthening the fiscal situation for such districts?

What are your thoughts on state intervention in school districts, especially Oakland, including receivership and the role of FCMAT?  Might the new teacher contract in Oakland have any impact on such a possibility?

Declining enrollment is a systemic threat. We must optimize school footprints and administrative efficiency to protect the classroom.

While I view state receivership as a failure of local governance, OUSD’s insolvency made it necessary. New contracts must be weighed against long-term solvency to avoid future state-mandated layoffs.

Discuss your understanding of State Education Code language relating to fiscal issues, including Code Section 41372 (requiring a minimum of 55% of state funding going to school site/ classroom expenditures) and fiscal responsibilities of County Boards altered under the LCFF.

I view Ed Code 41372 (the 55% rule) as a moral baseline—funding belongs in the classroom, not in bureaucratic bloat. Under LCFF, I will ensure "Supplemental and Concentration" funds actually reach vulnerable students rather than being absorbed by general deficits.

What ideas do you have for increasing funding for school districts and programs administered by the County Board?

I advocate for three pillars: moving California to enrollment-based funding, acting as a regional grant-writing hub to secure federal/state dollars, and creating shared service models (payroll/transportation) to cut administrative overhead.

5. What are your policy views on charter schools?

Charter schools are vital to a diverse education ecosystem, serving as laboratories for innovation. However, this autonomy must be balanced with rigorous transparency. They should complement, not destabilize, the fiscal health of traditional districts.

How do you understand the responsibilities of the County Board regarding charters?

Our primary role is high-quality authorization and oversight. We must ensure every charter has a sound educational program and a viable budget. As the "court of last resort" for appeals, I will prioritize data-driven decisions that ensure these schools serve our most vulnerable students effectively.

How do you view the impact of the California Charter School Association?

While I value their role in supporting school leaders, my first duty is to the taxpayers and students of Alameda County. I will maintain a collaborative but independent relationship with all advocacy groups to ensure our oversight remains objective and local.

What is your assessment of the recent charter school legislation passed in Sacramento?

I support the shift toward increased fiscal oversight and vetting. Recent legislation correctly grants local boards more authority to consider a charter’s community impact. I specifically support the 2026 mandate requiring charter boards to undergo the same ethics and transparency training as traditional boards to ensure public funds are managed with integrity.

6. How can the County Board facilitate cooperation between different districts in the county, especially around resources and programs of the most vulnerable students?

The County Board should act as a bridge, centralizing resources for foster youth and special education. By pooling resources for our most vulnerable students, we provide high-quality services that individual districts cannot afford alone.

7. What is the role of the County Board regarding appeals from parents/ guardians especially around special education?

Transfer requests from local districts are sometimes overruled by the County Board. What are your views on this issue? 

I respect local autonomy but will intervene in transfers when student safety or specialized educational needs are at stake.

I support a standardized rubric to ensure these decisions are fair, transparent, and student-centered.

8. What is your position regarding Artificial Intelligence as it relates to education?

AI should be a tool for literacy and teacher efficiency, not a replacement for critical thinking. I prioritize academic integrity, strict data privacy for minors, and preserving the essential human bond between teacher and student.

9. How much money have you currently raised for your campaign?

I have not raised any funds for my campaign.

How much do you anticipate raising?

I do not anticipate raising any funds for my campaign.

What do you see as your funding sources?

I do not have funding sources for my campaign nor am I seeking them.

Are there sources from which you would refuse contributions?

I do not intend on accepting any campaign contributions from any source.

10. What endorsements have you received to date?

None.

11. Have you signed, or will you soon sign, Move to Amend's candidates' and elected officials’ pledge?  It supports HJR 48, the We the People amendment to the US Constitution, which would abolish corporate personhood, rescind constitutional rights for corporations, and end financial expenditures being legally treated as expressions of free speech:

https://www.movetoamend.org/pledge 

I have not signed as I am focused on local educational oversight and fiscal solvency. While I support transparency, I prioritize grassroots community engagement over national constitutional movements to keep my focus on Alameda County students. 

12. Are there other concerns/ goals for your being on the School Board which you wish to share?

I want to restore the "value proposition" of our schools so families choose to stay. By empowering parents and ensuring fiscal stability, we can move the Board from a "rubber stamp" to a source of common-sense solutions.

Mark Harvey

Candidate, Alameda Board of Education - Trustee Area 4

markharvey.org

Mark Harvey: A Legacy of Stewardship for Area 4

Mark Harvey: A Legacy of Stewardship for Area 4

My name is Mark Harvey. I’m a Bay Area native and have been an East Bay resident since 1996. Over the years, I’ve called Oakland and San Leandro home, and today, I am proud to live in Castro Valley. I am running to represent Trustee Area 4, serving our neighbors in Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Hayward Acres, San Lorenzo, and our communities in San Leandro and Hayward.

My journey isn't defined by titles, but by a lifelong commitment to ethical stewardship. My story is one of hard work, a heart for the vulnerable, and a belief that we are all called to be guardians of the next generation's potential.

A Foundation of Compassion

My life began with a profound act of inclusion and love: I was adopted at birth into a family that viewed service as a way of life. Growing up with three older sisters, I watched my parents open our home to foster children and those less fortunate. In a house where there was always "room for one more," I learned that every human being possesses inherent dignity. This upbringing instilled in me a deep empathy for those overlooked by systems and a firm belief in the foundational power of a stable home.

The "Warehouse-Bred" Executive

This ethic carried me into a 32-year career where I led by example. I didn't start in a corporate suite; I was a warehouse staple who worked my way up to become the Vice President of Corporate Operations. I never became a "boardroom fixture" detached from the people I led. Instead, I remained a leader who got my hands dirty, managing $50 million budgets and teams of 180+ with the understanding that true leadership is a form of service. Professionally, I treated every resource as a trust, knowing that meticulous accountability is the cornerstone of integrity.

A Mentor’s Heart

As a father of four, my most cherished role has been as a Dad and mentor. For decades, I have been a fixture on Alameda County’s fields, courts, and pools—coaching soccer, softball, baseball, and basketball. Whether leading a Scout troop or volunteering with the Girl Scouts, I treat every child with the same dignity my parents showed the foster children in our home. I believe that families are the primary stakeholders in a child's life and that our institutions must respect that bond.

The Calling to Lead

I decided to run for the County Board of Education after seeing a systemic breakdown in both fiscal and operational responsibility. With local districts facing insolvency and state takeovers, I recognized that the "house" of our public schools was in disorder.

I am not a career politician. I am a Warehouse-Bred Executive who understands the math and a son of foster parents who understands the stakes. I am running to move the Board from a "rubber stamp" to a Proactive Guardian—ensuring that taxpayer funds are used with absolute integrity, that parental rights are honored, and that every student in Alameda County has the firm foundation they need to thrive.

I hope what I represent will represent you and your families.

In service,

Mark Harvey

Candidate for Alameda County Board of Education, Trustee Area 4

Why Mark Harvey for Alameda County Board of Education, 4th Trustee Area?

 

Why are you running for this position?

“I’m running because I believe the County Board of Education needs leaders who understand governance, budgeting, and accountability. My professional background managing large operations and my personal experience as a parent and youth coach give me a balanced perspective on what students, families, and educators need to succeed.”

What makes you the best candidate?

“I bring real executive leadership experience managing large teams and multimillion-dollar budgets. The County Board’s responsibilities include oversight, policy decisions, and fiscal accountability. Those are areas where I’ve spent my entire career.”

What are the biggest challenges facing education in Alameda County?

“Some of the biggest challenges include improving student outcomes, addressing student well-being, ensuring responsible use of public funds, and maintaining strong collaboration between county programs and local districts.”

What role should the County Board play?

“The County Board should provide thoughtful oversight, maintain accountability for county education programs, and work collaboratively with the County Superintendent to establish priorities that support student success.”

How will you support parents?

“Parents are essential partners in education. I believe schools should be transparent, communicative, and responsive to families. Parents deserve to be heard and involved in decisions affecting their children.”

How will you support teachers?

“Teachers are on the front lines of education. Supporting them means ensuring they have the resources, leadership support, and stable policies necessary to do their jobs effectively.”

What is your approach to fiscal oversight?

“My career has involved managing budgets, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring accountability. I will bring that same disciplined approach to overseeing county education spending.”

How will you work with other board members who may disagree with you?

“Effective leadership requires collaboration and respect. I believe in listening carefully, focusing on facts, and working toward solutions that serve students and families.”

How will you campaign in a challenging political environment?

“My focus will be on engaging the community, listening to voters, and emphasizing practical leadership and student-focused policies. Education should bring communities together.”

Why should people vote for you?

“I bring leadership experience, community involvement, and the ability to represent the trustee area with professionalism and credibility. I’m committed to running a serious campaign and serving with integrity.”

Mark Harvey

markharvey.org

Hello, I'm Mark Harvey and I am your candidate

Mark Harvey – Candidate for the Alameda County Board of Education

My mission is to help ensure that every student in Alameda County has access to a safe, equitable, and high-quality public education that prepares them for success in college, career, and community life.

With more than 32 years of executive leadership experience in business, operations, and organizational management, I bring a results-driven perspective and a parent’s commitment to public service. Throughout my career, I have led large organizations, managed complex budgets, overseen teams of more than 185 employees, and held full profit-and-loss responsibility for operations exceeding $50 million. These experiences have strengthened my ability to make thoughtful decisions, ensure accountability, and manage public resources responsibly.

Equally important are the lessons I have learned outside the boardroom. As the father of four children and a longtime youth coach in soccer, softball, baseball, and basketball, as well as a mentor with Scouts and a volunteer with Girl Scouts, I have worked closely with young people and families for many years. These experiences have reinforced my belief that every child is unique—with individual talents, challenges, and potential—and that our education system must recognize and support those differences.

As a member of the Alameda County Board of Education, I will work collaboratively with the County Superintendent, local school districts, educators, and families to set clear priorities, maintain transparent governance, and support programs that strengthen student success both academically and emotionally. I believe strong leadership means listening to our communities, supporting educators, ensuring responsible fiscal oversight, and advocating for policies that expand opportunity for every child.

My commitment is to bring practical leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a deep belief in the power of public education to serve the students and families of Alameda County.

I hope you will consider voting for me for the position of Member, Alameda County Board of Education, 4th Trustee Area on June 2nd, 2026.

Thank you,

Mark Harvey