Gallagher Kicks Off School Board Campaign

More than 60 supporters came out Saturday afternoon to kick off the school board campaign for Kalen Gallagher at The Spot in downtown Campbell.

Gallagher, 29, is running for a trustee seat of the Campbell Union High School District, which is comprised of five high schools and three alternative schools.

The former teacher and Westmont High graduate told supporters Saturday that, if elected, he plans to expand the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance learning, and give district teachers the classroom resources necessary to get the fullest results.

"If elected, my top priorities will include implementing programs to seriously address our district’s 15-percent dropout rate, raise the low achievement scores that place us among the lowest in the state when compared to similar schools, and ensuring the our teachers and staff have the tools and community support they need to succeed,” said Gallagher. "If our dropout rate remains unaddressed, it would mean that of the roughly 2,000 students starting high school in the Campbell Union High School District this fall, around 300 will not graduate. We can, and must, do better"

Saturday’s event raised $1,350 for Gallagher’s campaign, which has raised over $28,000 from approximately 372 different contributors since his announcement of candidacy in May.

Mia White, a friend and supporter of Gallagher’s, said his experience in the classroom and tech sector make him a viable candidate to improve the quality of education in the district.

"I am very excited to support Kalen Gallagher in his run for school board," White said. “As a former teacher and current leader in the education technology field, Kalen has demonstrated a strong passion for improving public education. This district, with its alarmingly high dropout rate, could use a fresh perspective and Kalen is the right person for the job."

CUHSD will have two of its five seats up for election on the Nov. 6 ballot. For more information about Gallagher, visit www.kalengallagher.com.