Meet Marin County Superintendent Of Schools Candidate John Carroll

MARIN COUNTY, CA – John Carroll, who serves as superintendent of the Lagunitas and Bolinas-Stinson Beach school districts, is among two candidates running for Marin County superintendent of schools.

Educator and school trustee Michelle Crncich Hodge is the other.

The candidates are running to replace outgoing Superintendent Mary Jane Burke, who earlier this year announced she would not seek an eighth term.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates in selected races, including this one.

Age (as of Election Day)

58

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Monique Paltrineri- spouse; Klehr Carroll- Daughter (20); Owen Carroll- Son (17)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

MA Educational Leadership, Sonoma State, Credentials (English, Social Studies, Administration) BA Speech Communication, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Redwood High School 1982,

Occupation

School District Superintendent (8 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://www.johncarroll4marins...

Why are you seeking elective office?

To ensure the best educational outcomes and experiences for all of Marin's students.

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

I have vastly more experience as an educator, 30+ uninterrupted years: I have worked in 6 of Marin's districts as a teacher, union officer, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. I have a long standing and well-earned reputation for being collaborative and respectful. I have endorsements from my opponent's entire board, superintendent and financial officer. I have endorsements from EVERY Marin superintendent, The Marin Democratic Party, Marin Independent Journal, many elected officials, teachers, support staff and Mary Jane Burke, the retiring incumbent.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I have solid environmental record: Setting an example by upgrading solar systems, procured an all-electric school bus, led bike to work team to two victories in the Marin Bike to Work competition, supported school gardens and recycling.

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

Longest serving district superintendent in Marin and the only one serving 2 boards. (3 times longer tenure than average in the US.) Moved both districts to standards-based reporting, a successful construction campaign, facilitated math program that got every student to grade level by high school (in Lagunitas) Wrote 16 approved LCAP reports over 8 years, negotiated responsible collective bargaining agreements with 4 unions. Supported career internships for students down to grade 6. Opened TWO schools for in person learning safely during the pandemic.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Focus your energy and rational choices on those things that are under your control; do not become distracted by things you cannot change.

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

I am 100% committed to putting students first. No organizations called on me to run so my allegiance is to students before all others. We have a major task ahead of us. We need to make school relevant, to prepare young people for careers that do not yet exist. I am the only candidate with the support network in Marin to make that happen.

CHECK OUT THE FULL CALMATTERS 2022 VOTER GUIDE HERE.