Candidate Profile: Eric Dillie For Alameda County Board Of Education

LIVERMORE, CA — Eric Dillie is one of three candidates running for Alameda County Board of Education’s Trustee Area 7 in the June 7 primary.

Trustee Area 7 represents Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin.

The current trustee of 20 years, Yvonne Cerrato, is not seeing re-election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns. Below are Dillie’s responses.

Age (as of Election Day)

43

Family

Wife - Kala. Daughter - Ava

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Education

M.Ed. Educational Administration - University of North Texas
B.A. Social Science - University of Northern Iowa

Occupation

Teacher / Administrator / Educator for 20 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

www.ericdillie.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

My desire to serve the community is beyond measure and primarily why I am seeking this office. Also, my career experience of serving in both traditional public schools and charter public schools, working with adjudicated youth, and helping students/families navigate through difficult situations will greatly benefit the current ALCO Board of Education. The Board's primary functions of providing oversight to the county court schools and 11 county authorized public charter schools, closely mirrors my career experience.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I know exactly what an Alameda County Board of Education Trustee's duties are, and the other candidates do not. Since 2020, I have served as an advisor to a current Board Trustee. My understanding of what the Trustees duties are, and how to successfully perform said duties, are beyond the other candidates.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency?)

There is no incumbent in this race.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I put students and families first when making decisions. I am not beholden to special interest groups, and I intend to roll up my sleeves and get things done for the students, families, and communities being served by the county b board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In 2011, the school I led as Principal received the prestigious "Broad Prize" for Urban Education. In 2015, the I led as Principal was named one of Newsweek's "Top Schools" in the United States.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do not let others define who you are

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have never been afraid to go against the grain or conventional thinking in the effort to best serve families. I am not a career politician, but I am active in many community organizations and non -profits, including being a member of the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley. Again, I do not serve the numerous special interest groups that permeate our public education system. I serve students, families, and communities in an unrelenting effort to meet their needs.