Alameda County Board Of Education Picks Top Leaders

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — During its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Education elected its president and vice president for the 2019-20 school year. Joaquín Rivera was elected to the top post, while Amber Childress was picked for VP.

“It is my pleasure to work alongside President Rivera," said Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe. "His educational advocacy and dedication to the youth of Alameda County is well aligned with the vision and values ACOE embodies. Joaquín’s focus on student achievement and academic quality raises the bar for education in our county. I am proud to work with each of our county trustees, and proud of our continued commitment to the education and well-being of every student in Alameda County.”

Outgoing board President Yvonne Cerrato added, “It has been my honor to lead this board for the past year and I’m proud to pass my gavel to President Rivera. I know he will continue his strong advocacy for students, teachers and public education. Under his leadership, the board will remain focused on our mission to serve the 225,000 students of Alameda County and to ensure their success in every school, every day."

Rivera was first elected in 2010 to represent Area 1, which includes Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville and portions of Oakland, including North Oakland, Temescal, Rockridge, Downtown, and the northern portion of West Oakland. Rivera has taught chemistry at Skyline College in San Bruno since 1990. He served as president and chief negotiator for the San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, president of the Academic Senate, and vice president of the California Federation of Teachers. Rivera served for 12 years on the Berkeley School Board. He holds a Masters in Governance from the California School Boards Association and has served on many CSBA committees, including the Policy Platform, Nominating, and Legislative committees.

Childress represents Area 2, which covers the City of Alameda and parts of Oakland, including the southern portion of West Oakland, all of Jack London Square and Chinatown, part of Fruitvale, the Oakland hills south of Redwood Road, and East Oakland south of Seminary Avenue and 66th Avenue.