Meet The Livermore School Board Candidate: Deena Kaplanis

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 Deena Kaplanis, a board incumbent and chiropractor running for re-election. Kaplanis was elected to an at-large seat in 2024, and is now running in District 5.

What is your educational background?

I am a former 2-Sport Scholar Athlete Graduate from Whitter College with a BA in Kinesiology & Leisure Science, a Minor in Psychology and an emphasis in Pre-Med. I graduated Cum Lade with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. During my first year on the LVJUSD School Board, I earned a Master's in Governance from the California School Board Association.

What is your professional background?

I am a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic with over 20 years of experience in my field. I have been in private practice for the majority of my career with experience also in the concorporate world. While finishing up college, I worked in the athletic department supporting the Athletic Director and Coaches. I also have experience working as an assistant volleyball coach and designing the strength & conditioning program for the Whitter College Women's Volleyball Team.

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

Yes, I was elected to the LVJUSD School Board in 2024.

What are the top three issues facing LVJUSD right now?

1)Stability- we've had a lot of changes recently and it has been challenging for our district as a whole and the community to understand. 2)Transparency- we can do better communicating, keeping families engaged and involved in their student's educational experience. 3)Fiscal Responsibility- we need to get our finances in order and prioritize educational excellence and student achievement

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

Stability in our budget while still offering a high quality educational experience for our students- I'd like to restore student programs and/or supports that were eliminated during our large budget reduction.

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?

I support ALL Student programs and supporting student services such as the project youth build program, paraprofessionals that support students and teachers in the classrooms, and elementary mental health supports and counselors. We need to balance our general fund expenses, maintain a healthy reserve, and secure grant funds that have or are going to expire.

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?

Honestly, we can use more health and safety supports across the district but specifically in my area. For example, I would like to see more mental health and behavioral supportive services for the classrooms and students in Area 5.

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

I have no special interests. I would just like to continue serving the students and families in our community to the best of my ability by restoring the foundations of education that allow students to love learning, achieve high, and become productive citizens! I have a proven record of true leadership and accountability. I am involved in many ways in our schools and community. I am accessible, approachable, and willing to talk to anyone (even the ones that see things differently). I am open minded, a great listener, and willing to continue doing the hard work.