Meet Craig Pearson

Dad • Credentialed Special Education Teacher • School Administrator • School Board Trustee

I have had the privilege of serving on the Oakley Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees since 2021. Today, I also work as a school administrator after previously serving as a credentialed special education teacher.

I am continuing my graduate education in school psychology through Eastern Washington University’s specialist-level School Psychology program, which is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). That training has strengthened my understanding of how children learn, data-based decision making, evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions, progress monitoring, and systems of support for students.

Most importantly, I am a dad. My children attend Oakley schools, so the decisions we make as a school district affect my family too. I bring the perspective of a parent, educator, school administrator, and trustee to the decisions I make on the board.

I believe strong school governance means asking questions, examining the evidence, setting high expectations, and holding ourselves accountable for results. I will never be satisfied simply because something is “good enough.” Our students deserve schools that continue learning, improving, and striving to be among the best elementary school districts in California.

Why I'm Running

When I first joined the Oakley Union Elementary School District Board in 2021, I knew Oakley was where I planned to raise my family. I wanted the children I would one day send to our schools—and every child in our community—to have access to an excellent education.

Five years later, that responsibility is even more personal. My own children now attend Oakley schools. Like every parent, I want them to become strong readers, develop a love of learning, be challenged academically, and receive the right support when they struggle.

I want those same opportunities for every student in Oakley. A child’s ZIP code, family income, disability, or circumstances at home should never determine the quality of education they receive.

That is why I am seeking reelection. I want us to continue improving student achievement, strengthening intervention systems, attracting and retaining excellent educators, maintaining safe and modern schools, and making responsible decisions with the resources our community entrusts to us.

My goal is not simply to maintain what we have. I want Oakley to be known for exceptional public schools—a community where families are proud to send their children and where we never settle for good enough. When we reach a goal, we should be asking: What’s next, and how can we do even better?

Progress We've Made Together

Over the past five years, I have been proud to serve on a Board of Trustees that works collaboratively and has accomplished a great deal for Oakley students.

A school board sets direction, establishes priorities, approves resources, and holds the superintendent accountable. Our superintendent and district team turn that direction into action. Some initiatives began with priorities I personally brought to our goal-setting process, while many others grew from the work of fellow trustees, our superintendent, educators, staff, families, and the needs of our schools.

Stable District Leadership

Navigated a superintendent transition in 2021 and established a leadership partnership that continues today.

Dual Language Immersion

Launched Oakley’s Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion program in 2025.

Award-Winning Educator Pathways

Built educator pathways to prepare, recruit, and retain high-quality teachers.

Parent Education & Engagement

Expanded opportunities for families to learn, connect, and support student success.

School Safety & Supervision

Responded to school safety needs with additional supervision and safety supports, including a School Resource Officer at our middle schools.

Student & Mental Health Supports

Expanded supports through counseling, behavior services, MTSS, social-emotional learning, and dedicated mental-health staff.

Responsible Fiscal Governance

Navigated challenging budget conditions while balancing student needs, employee compensation, staffing, and long-term fiscal stability.

Planning for Oakley’s Future

Continued long-range planning for enrollment, school capacity, aging facilities, and the needs of a growing community.

I am proud of what our Board, superintendent, educators, staff, families, and community have accomplished together.

And our work is not finished.

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