Meet The Livermore School Board Candidate: Angela Brady

LIVERMORE, CA — Patch reached out to all candidates for the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees Areas 2, 3, and 5 with questions we feel San Ramon voters want to know. This is the first LVJUSD Board election with districts.

We reprinted their answers verbatim.

Below, read the responses of Angela Brady, a data analyst running to represent Area 2.

What is your educational background?

BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from San Jose State University, 2005

What is your professional background?

I have spent the last 20 years working for an industrial distribution company, where I currently serve as a Senior Data Analyst. My work requires thoughtful analysis, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. I use data to identify challenges and help make informed decisions, skills that are valuable as our district faces complex budget issues.

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

No, I am a first-time candidate.

What are the top three issues facing LVJUSD right now?

The top three issues facing LVJUSD are fiscal stability, facility updates, and student safety. The district must address ongoing budget challenges while protecting educational quality and supporting teachers and staff.

We also need to responsibly maintain and improve our schools, so they continue to serve students and taxpayers well for years to come. While we will need the support of the community to pass a bond measure that helps fund facility improvements, it is equally important to earn and maintain public trust through fiscal accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of those funds.

Finally, we must ensure every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. Student safety extends beyond physical security and includes fostering a culture of respect and belonging. Staff should be equipped with the training and resources needed to prevent bullying, address discrimination, and support students from all backgrounds, so every child has the opportunity to thrive.

What is one specific action you would prioritize during your first year in office?

One specific action I would prioritize during my first year in office is improving transparency and community engagement. Community members deserve to know what issues the Board is discussing before decisions are made, not after. I believe we need to meet people where they are by using communication channels that are already familiar and accessible, including social media, email updates, school newsletters, PTA/PTO meetings, and community events. I would advocate for more frequent updates on key issues, clearer explanations of Board decisions, and additional opportunities for public input. Building trust requires open, two-way communication. By making information easier to access and creating more opportunities for meaningful engagement, we can strengthen the partnership between the district, families, staff, and the broader community.

LVJUSD approved nearly $15 million in ongoing budget reductions for 2026–27. Which reductions do you support, oppose or hope eventually to restore, and how would you pay for any restoration?

The budget reductions approved earlier this year were made during a period of significant financial uncertainty. While no one wants to reduce programs or staffing, I believe the Board had a responsibility to take action to maintain the district's fiscal stability. As a trustee, I would evaluate any reduction through one lens: its impact on students, classroom instruction, school safety, and essential services.

Since those reductions were adopted, the district's financial outlook has improved. The state budget provided more than $12 million in additional funding for 2026-27, allowing LVJUSD to restore approximately $2.7 million in previously reduced staffing and programs. In addition, the unaudited actuals presented to the Board in September showed the district ended 2025-26 in a stronger financial position than anticipated, with higher reserves and a much smaller loss than previously projected.

Given this improved outlook, I would support reviewing those reductions that most directly affect students and staff capacity. However, I would carefully consider opportunities to restore programs and positions using updated financial data, while being mindful of the limitations and long-term implications of one-time funding. My approach would be data-driven, transparent, and focused on protecting educational quality while maintaining the long-term financial health of the district.

This is LVJUSD’s first election using trustee areas. What unmet need do you see in your trustee area, and how would you advocate for it while still governing on behalf of the entire district?

One unmet need I see in Trustee Area 3 is ensuring that families from North Livermore, particularly the Springtown neighborhood, have a strong voice in district decision-making. Under the previous at-large election system, there were no residents from this area currently serving on the Board. I welcomed the transition to trustee areas because it helps ensure that students and families from every part of Livermore are represented in district-level conversations and decisions.

As a trustee, I would actively engage with families, students, staff, and community organizations in my area to better understand their priorities and advocate for their needs. At the same time, I recognize that every board member has a responsibility to govern on behalf of the entire district. While I would bring the perspective of North Livermore to the board table, I would evaluate every decision through the lens of what is best for all LVJUSD students. Effective governance requires balancing local representation with a district-wide commitment to equity, opportunity, and student success, and I would work collaboratively with my fellow trustees to achieve those goals.

Why do you feel you're a better candidate than your opponents?

I believe I am the stronger candidate because I bring a balanced combination of professional experience, community involvement, and a deep commitment to public education. Since 2017, LVJUSD has championed the philosophy that "All Kids Are Our Kids," and I wholeheartedly share that belief. As a parent, advocate, and data-driven problem solver, I will approach complex issues with transparency, compassion, and common sense while always keeping students at the center of every decision. I would be honored to have your vote on November 3rd.