Renato P. Almanzor for School Board

11/05/2014

Dearest Friends and Supporters,

Two months ago I shared that I was learning so much from this campaign about myself and our community. Today, the lessons have only deepened, and I have all of you to thank for that. I’ve been privileged to hear the hopes of our City for a community that embraces our children, honors our families and values our educational opportunities. I have encountered, through passionate discourse, the hearts, minds and souls of those who wish to participate, beyond “the campaign”, in creating the Oakland our kids deserve today and should have tomorrow.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this, we each deserve to be heard, and we all should hear what another believes. There’s power in articulating what we hope with intensity and rolling up our sleeves to make it happen. I saw that in many of the volunteers and partners who worked on our campaign. And in our exchanges, there is love in finding the unity in what we previously felt was disconnected because of ideology or history. I saw that in the many ways our campaign expanded our own perspective and those of others toward imagining something better for ourselves and each other.

The other lesson I learned is that we can work hard on campaigns, believe that we are working with the best candidate, and the other person could win. I saw that last night in the eyes of everybody with whom I interacted. I was moved when I talked with our youngest citizens who canvassed long hours over months tell me why they believed in me. I was inspired hearing folks ask if they could sit with me so that we could hear more deeply each other’s stories, and they felt honored to share my experiences and accomplishments with neighbors.

I saw the results around 1:15 a.m. and sent an e-mail congratulating the person who won, and I offered support in her success. I’m super bummed I didn’t win this election.

Simultaneously, I’m extremely touched by the outpouring of love, compassion and support for me. I just hope that you get how much I’m absolutely crazy about all of you. Through this, you should know that your stories have become my stories, and I hold them graciously as love stories. Ultimately, what I’m feeling today, from all of you, is more than enough to keep me working hard for creating the healthy and equitable communities we deserve. Thank you so much.

In appreciation,
Renato

10/22/2014

Vote Yes on Oakland’s Measure Z and No on Berkeley’s Measure R

Big News: I just got the East Bay Express' endorsement for Oakland School Board in District 6: "...we're endorsing Renato Almanzor because he has more experience with education issues and with Oakland public schools."

As we noted in an election story last week, three controversial ballot measures — R, S, and F — in Berkeley this year each represent...

10/19/2014

Great day canvassing! Many neighbors have said that they have been reading up on me and even talked to some phone bankers! And I distributed tons of lawn signs. Yay!! I hope you can join me from 2 - 6 Sunday as we go from 64th to Morcom, between Foothill and MacArthur. Call or text me if you can join us. You'll get t-shirt and button.

And thanks you, Robin Bailer Glover for hosting a house party last night. I loved the hard questions and the great dialogue.

10/15/2014

I've just been endorsed by the Oakland Brotherhood of Elders Network! Thank you.

10/12/2014

Hey friends, we're going through the neighborhood in between Hillmont and Sunnymere Sunday from about 2:30 - 5:30. We want our friends to know about my campaign for School Board in District 6!! Let me know if you want to join us! We'll probably grab dinner somewhere afterwards, too. Also keep letting me know if you want lawn signs!

10/10/2014

Oakland Tribune editorial: Ghirardelli, Senn and Almanzor provide best hope for repairing...

Thank you Oakland Tribune for the endorsement of my campaign for Oakland School Board District 6!

Turnaround must begin by confronting an uncomfortable reality: Oakland has too many schools. The district admits it has a higher ratio of schools to students than any other Alameda County district and any other comparable district in the state.

10/09/2014

The Push for Oakland's progressive Ballot Measures

I endorse Measure N (Oakland Schools Yes On N) for our children's education, and their college and career readiness. #OaklandYesonN

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/the-push-for-oaklands-progressive-ballot-measures/Content?oid=4092063

"The measure is specifically targeted toward reducing the dropout rate and helping Oakland high school students prepare for college. It calls for an increase in work opportunities and job training programs, as well as expanded mentoring, counseling, and support services."

The most high-profile ballot measure in Oakland this election season is a proposal to increase the city's minimum wage to $12.25 an hour. And if...

10/05/2014

I'm proud to have endorsements from great organizations like Evolve and Oakland Families for Quality Schools. Thank you!

10/04/2014

I'm excited to announce that our very own California State Assemblymember Rob Bonta has endorsed me for Oakland District 6 School Board.

10/04/2014

Hey Friends! I'm strolling the neighborhoods Saturday 11 - 3 and Sunday 2:30 - 5:30. I'd love for you to join me. I'm also distributing lawn signs!! Let me know if you'd like one.

09/28/2014

Great day canvassing today! It's cool when the neighbors who have corner homes want two lawn signs! I expect to get the lawn signs Tuesday. So contact me if you want one!

09/21/2014

Oakland school board race draws 8 candidates for 3 spots

Oakland school board race draws 8 candidates for 3 spots

The three Oakland school board incumbents up for re-election this year have bowed out, leaving their seats up for grabs and drawing eight political newcomers to the November election. The next school board will face a number of issues, including ongoing implementation and standardized testing of the…

08/11/2014

MGO Democratic Club's 2014 General Election Candidates Forum Series

I'll be one of the candidates at this Candidates Forum August 18! Check it out and RSVP on Eventbrite, it's free!

Eventbrite - Metropolitan Greater Oakland Democratic Club presents MGO Democratic Club's 2014 General Election Candidates Forum Series - Monday, August 18, 2014 at Temple Sinai, Oakland, CA. Find event and ticket information.

07/29/2014

Great Oakland Public Schools

GO endorses Renato Almanzor for Oakland School Board District 6
July 28, 2014

Families and Educators for Public Education, sponsored by Great Oakland Public Schools, a nonprofit community organization network of educators, families and community leaders, has endorsed Dr. Renato Almanzor for the District 6 school board seat for the Oakland Unified School District Board of Education in the November 4, 2014 general election.

After a thorough review of each of the candidates that included a comprehensive community endorsement process, the GO Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse Dr. Almanzor, a parent, longtime educator, community leader and social justice advocate who has a proven track record of working to improve Oakland public schools.

"I am proud to endorse Renato Almanzor," said Mary Prime-Lawrence, an Oakland public school teacher, parent and GO Board member. "Renato has dedicated his life to education and will bring a fresh perspective to the Oakland school board. As we work to move our schools forward, we need someone committed to fighting for the future of our schools - not the battles of the past."

Dr. Almanzor's work and commitment to Oakland students has allowed him to view the Oakland educational landscape from a number of perspectives, which makes him uniquely qualified to serve on the Board:
Parent: Renato's son attended Oakland public schools through high school graduation. He served on school-site councils at each school his son attended.

Community Leader: Renato trains nonprofit leaders throughout the Bay Area and coached teachers, students, principals, and administrators in Oakland Schools.

Educator: As a professor, Dr. Almanzor taught courses in an educational leadership doctoral program at CSU East Bay.
Parents and educators on the GO Board of Directors applauded the decision to endorse Almanzor.

"As an Oakland principal, I know first hand both the potential and challenges involved in building strong schools," said Carmelita Reyes, principal of Oakland International High and a GO Board member. "I am confident that Renato has the drive, leadership, and skills to effectively serve our students."

Sheilagh Polk, a parent and GO Board member echoed Reyes' sentiments, and said she thought Almanzor brings the energy, passion, and new type of leadership our City and schools need right now.

"I need to know that my kids are getting a quality education," Polk said. "Leadership for our schools starts on the school board and I am confident that Renato brings the dedication, temperament, and skills to advocate effectively for our children. We need him on our school board."


For more information, please contact GO Communications Director Chris Perrius by calling 510.868.8800 or e-mail at [email protected].