Campaign News
April 20, 2026
BallotPedia updates Chelsea Bonini's Campaign Profile.
BallotPedia updates Chelsea Bonini's Campaign Profile.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2026
Chelsea Bonini is Fully Qualified to be on the June 2nd Ballot for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
Official Documents Confirm Both Candidates Hold Valid Administrative Services Credentials
SAN MATEO, CA — Chelsea Bonini, candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, today released a comprehensive factual statement, supported by official documentation, confirming she is fully qualified to appear on the June 2, 2026 ballot.
Both Candidates Hold Valid Credentials — The Facts Are Clear
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) website lists both Chelsea Bonini's and Hector Camacho's Administrative Services Credentials as "Valid." The only difference between the two credentials is their Term — Camacho holds a Preliminary credential, valid for five years with a clearance requirement, while Bonini holds a Certificate of Eligibility, which carries no expiration date and converts to a Preliminary credential upon verified employment in an administrative position — exactly as the CCTC's own credential leaflet (CL-574c) describes.
California Education Code §§1206 and 1208, as amended by AB 872 (Chapter 273, Statutes of 2023), confirm the requirement for County Superintendents of Schools in California to hold a valid Administrative Credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, whether they are elected or appointed. Bonini's Administrative Services Credential is listed as valid on the CCTC website. Bonini meets this requirement fully.
San Mateo County Elections Officer Mark Church — a California attorney admitted to the State Bar in 1976 — has confirmed that Bonini qualifies to appear on the June ballot, having submitted the same required paperwork as her opponent.
Bonini Earned Her Credential Through Rigorous Academic Preparation
Bonini completed a comprehensive, school-embedded California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) pathway as part of her Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership at San Francisco State University in 2024. Her SF State professor, Irina Okhremtchouk, has publicly stated that Bonini is more qualified than candidates who simply passed a test to obtain their credential.
"My credential is valid, documented, and confirmed by the state's own credentialing commission," said Bonini. "I earned it through rigorous academic and on-campus preparation and performance assessments. The facts speak for themselves."
The Official Record Raises Serious Questions About Her Opponent's Credential Path
Official San Mateo County Office of Education board documents raise important questions about how Bonini's opponent obtained his credential — and the insider assistance he received in advancing it. Camacho obtained his Preliminary Administrative Services Credential in May 2025, within a few months of being hired by former County Superintendent Nancy Magee. Within another couple of months, a Certificated Staffing Report for June 14 – July 7, 2025, approved and signed by Superintendent Magee — who has publicly endorsed Camacho — documents that Hector Camacho Jr. was reclassified from a Classified to a Certificated position as Executive Director of Equity, Social Justice and Inclusion, effective July 1, 2025. This reclassification — from a position governed by Merit System rules and Personnel Commission oversight to a certificated administrative position under Magee’s sole control — enabled Camacho to begin accumulating the two years of full-time “certificated” administrative service required to clear his credential.
"To be clear, my credential is valid, I am qualified, and I am on the ballot. I remain focused on the students and families of San Mateo County — because that is what this race is about."
About Chelsea Bonini
Chelsea Bonini is a teacher, attorney, and twice-elected Trustee on the San Mateo County Board of Education running for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the June 2026 primary. With over 30 years of experience in education, law, and public service, she is committed to academic excellence, literacy for all students, student mental health, fiscal transparency, and supporting educators. Bonini’s campaign is endorsed by the California Teachers Association and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and is supported by educators, parents, and community members across San Mateo County. She has pledged to run a grassroots campaign free from corporate backers and lobbyists. Learn more at www.votebonini.com.
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April 16, 2026
Chelsea Bonini is Fully Qualified to be on the June 2nd Ballot for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
Official Documents Confirm Both Candidates Hold Valid Administrative Services Credentials
SAN MATEO, CA — Chelsea Bonini, candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, today released a comprehensive factual statement, supported by official documentation, confirming she is fully qualified to appear on the June 2, 2026 ballot.
Both Candidates Hold Valid Credentials — The Facts Are Clear
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) website lists both Chelsea Bonini's and Hector Camacho's Administrative Services Credentials as "Valid." The only difference between the two credentials is their Term — Camacho holds a Preliminary credential, valid for five years with a clearance requirement, while Bonini holds a Certificate of Eligibility, which carries no expiration date and converts to a Preliminary credential upon verified employment in an administrative position — exactly as the CCTC's own credential leaflet (CL-574c) describes.
California Education Code §§1206 and 1208, as amended by AB 872 (Chapter 273, Statutes of 2023), confirm the requirement for County Superintendents of Schools in California to hold a valid Administrative Credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, whether they are elected or appointed. Bonini's Administrative Services Credential is listed as valid on the CCTC website. Bonini meets this requirement fully.
San Mateo County Elections Officer Mark Church — a California attorney admitted to the State Bar in 1976 — has confirmed that Bonini qualifies to appear on the June ballot, having submitted the same required paperwork as her opponent.
Bonini Earned Her Credential Through Rigorous Academic Preparation
Bonini completed a comprehensive, school-embedded California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) pathway as part of her Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership at San Francisco State University in 2024. Her SF State professor, Irina Okhremtchouk, has publicly stated that Bonini is more qualified than candidates who simply passed a test to obtain their credential.
"My credential is valid, documented, and confirmed by the state's own credentialing commission," said Bonini. "I earned it through rigorous academic and on-campus preparation and performance assessments. The facts speak for themselves."
The Official Record Raises Serious Questions About Her Opponent's Credential Path
Official San Mateo County Office of Education board documents raise important questions about how Bonini's opponent obtained his credential — and the insider assistance he received in advancing it. Camacho obtained his Preliminary Administrative Services Credential in May 2025, within a few months of being hired by former County Superintendent Nancy Magee. Within another couple of months, a Certificated Staffing Report for June 14 – July 7, 2025, approved and signed by Superintendent Magee — who has publicly endorsed Camacho — documents that Hector Camacho Jr. was reclassified from a Classified to a Certificated position as Executive Director of Equity, Social Justice and Inclusion, effective July 1, 2025. This reclassification — from a position governed by Merit System rules and Personnel Commission oversight to a certificated administrative position under Magee’s sole control — enabled Camacho to begin accumulating the two years of full-time “certificated” administrative service required to clear his credential.
"To be clear, my credential is valid, I am qualified, and I am on the ballot. I remain focused on the students and families of San Mateo County — because that is what this race is about."
About Chelsea Bonini
Chelsea Bonini is a teacher, attorney, and twice-elected Trustee on the San Mateo County Board of Education running for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the June 2026 primary. With over 30 years of experience in education, law, and public service, she is committed to academic excellence, literacy for all students, student mental health, fiscal transparency, and supporting educators. Bonini’s campaign is endorsed by the California Teachers Association and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and is supported by educators, parents, and community members across San Mateo County. She has pledged to run a grassroots campaign free from corporate backers and lobbyists. Learn more at www.votebonini.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2026
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond Endorses Chelsea Bonini for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
Endorsement from state's top education official highlights Bonini's unique qualifications as teacher, attorney, and county board trustee
SAN MATEO, CA — Chelsea Bonini, candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, today announced the endorsement of California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The endorsement from the state's highest-ranking education official adds significant momentum to Bonini's grassroots campaign ahead of the June 2026 primary election.
“Chelsea Bonini brings exactly the combination of experience San Mateo County needs in its next Superintendent of Schools. As a classroom teacher, attorney, and elected trustee, she understands education from every angle — and she has the values and the vision to deliver for students, families, and educators across the county. I am proud to endorse her campaign.” — Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Superintendent Thurmond has served as California’s top education official since 2019, championing historic investments in public schools across the state. During his tenure, he secured $6.6 billion to safely reopen schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched the nation’s first statewide Universal School Meals Program, championed a $2.7 billion Universal Transitional Kindergarten program, and secured a $4.13 billion investment in community schools to expand mental health, social-emotional learning, and wraparound support for students. His endorsement reflects a commitment to placing experienced, student-centered leaders in key education roles throughout California.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of Superintendent Thurmond, whose tireless work on behalf of California’s students has been an inspiration. His commitment to literacy, mental health, and equity for every child mirrors exactly what I am fighting for here in San Mateo County. Together, we are sending a clear message: our students deserve experienced, dedicated leadership — and that is what this campaign is about.” — Chelsea Bonini, Candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
Bonini has spent more than 30 years serving San Mateo County as a teacher, attorney, and public servant. She taught kindergarten and first grade in the South San Francisco Unified School District and, most recently, second grade in Los Altos. As a twice-elected Trustee on the San Mateo County Board of Education, she has championed fiscal transparency, student mental health, literacy, and educator support. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and Psychology, a law degree from UC Hastings, and an M.A. in Educational Administration and Leadership from San Francisco State University.
Bonini’s campaign is endorsed by the California Teachers Association and supported by educators, parents, and community members across San Mateo County. She has pledged to run a grassroots campaign free from corporate backers and lobbyists.
About Chelsea Bonini
Chelsea Bonini is a teacher, attorney, and twice-elected Trustee on the San Mateo County Board of Education running for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the June 2026 primary. With over 30 years of experience in education, law, and public service, she is committed to academic excellence, literacy for all students, student mental health, fiscal transparency, and supporting educators. Learn more at www.votebonini.com.
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February 23, 2026
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond Endorses Chelsea Bonini for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
Endorsement from state's top education official highlights Bonini's unique qualifications as teacher, attorney, and county board trustee
SAN MATEO, CA — Chelsea Bonini, candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, today announced the endorsement of California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The endorsement from the state's highest-ranking education official adds significant momentum to Bonini's grassroots campaign ahead of the June 2026 primary election.
“Chelsea Bonini brings exactly the combination of experience San Mateo County needs in its next Superintendent of Schools. As a classroom teacher, attorney, and elected trustee, she understands education from every angle — and she has the values and the vision to deliver for students, families, and educators across the county. I am proud to endorse her campaign.” — Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Superintendent Thurmond has served as California’s top education official since 2019, championing historic investments in public schools across the state. During his tenure, he secured $6.6 billion to safely reopen schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched the nation’s first statewide Universal School Meals Program, championed a $2.7 billion Universal Transitional Kindergarten program, and secured a $4.13 billion investment in community schools to expand mental health, social-emotional learning, and wraparound support for students. His endorsement reflects a commitment to placing experienced, student-centered leaders in key education roles throughout California.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of Superintendent Thurmond, whose tireless work on behalf of California’s students has been an inspiration. His commitment to literacy, mental health, and equity for every child mirrors exactly what I am fighting for here in San Mateo County. Together, we are sending a clear message: our students deserve experienced, dedicated leadership — and that is what this campaign is about.” — Chelsea Bonini, Candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
Bonini has spent more than 30 years serving San Mateo County as a teacher, attorney, and public servant. She taught kindergarten and first grade in the South San Francisco Unified School District and, most recently, second grade in Los Altos. As a twice-elected Trustee on the San Mateo County Board of Education, she has championed fiscal transparency, student mental health, literacy, and educator support. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and Psychology, a law degree from UC Hastings, and an M.A. in Educational Administration and Leadership from San Francisco State University.
Bonini’s campaign is endorsed by the California Teachers Association and supported by educators, parents, and community members across San Mateo County. She has pledged to run a grassroots campaign free from corporate backers and lobbyists.
About Chelsea Bonini
Chelsea Bonini is a teacher, attorney, and twice-elected Trustee on the San Mateo County Board of Education running for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the June 2026 primary. With over 30 years of experience in education, law, and public service, she is committed to academic excellence, literacy for all students, student mental health, fiscal transparency, and supporting educators. Learn more at www.votebonini.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2025
California Teachers Association Endorses Chelsea Bonini for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
SAN MATEO, CA — Following an extensive interview process, the California Teachers Association (CTA) has endorsed Chelsea Bonini’s candidacy for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the 2026 Election. CTA supported Bonini in 2020 and 2024 when she was elected and then re-elected to the San Mateo County Board of Education’s Area 4 Trustee seat.
“There is no greater honor in a race to lead countywide education initiatives than to be supported by teachers throughout San Mateo County,” said Bonini. “Teachers are on the front lines every day, working to ensure our students thrive. This endorsement reflects our shared commitment to prioritizing student success, educator support, and educational equity.”
The CTA endorsement recognizes Bonini as the teachers’ choice for County Superintendent. Her career in San Mateo County education spans more than three decades, beginning in 1994 as a kindergarten teacher in South San Francisco Unified School District. In addition to her current service on the San Mateo County Board of Education, Bonini's leadership experience also includes service on the County Office of Education’s Personnel Commission, on San Mateo County's Behavioral Health and Disabilities Commissions, and as a Trustee for the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
“I understand the challenges educators face because I have experienced them in my own classroom,” Bonini added. “Strong partnerships with teachers aren’t just important—they’re essential to improving outcomes for our students. Teachers know what works, and as County Superintendent, I will ensure their voices are heard and valued in decision-making.”
As County Superintendent, Bonini will work in strong partnership with educators to advance key priorities. She’s championed science-based literacy instruction and early screening for dyslexia to ensure every child becomes a confident, capable reader. She’s been a consistent advocate for expanding mental health resources, working to remove stigma and improve access to care through initiatives that create shared knowledge of pathways to services.
Bonini is committed to ensuring academic excellence for all students and has also led efforts to increase fiscal transparency and accountability at the County Office of Education through active engagement in the budget process, leadership through a complete review and revision of her board's policies, and by spearheading the creation and adoption of governance protocols that embrace collaboration and shared governance between the County Board of Education and the County Superintendent of Schools.
“Educators deserve a leader who respects their expertise and will fight for the resources and support they need to do their best work,” said Bonini. “I’m honored to have earned the trust of CTA and the teachers of San Mateo County.”
Bonini lives in the City of San Mateo with her husband and two sons.
For more information, please contact Chelsea Bonini at [email protected] or (415) 531-0508.
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November 24, 2025
California Teachers Association Endorses Chelsea Bonini for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
SAN MATEO, CA — Following an extensive interview process, the California Teachers Association (CTA) has endorsed Chelsea Bonini’s candidacy for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the 2026 Election. CTA supported Bonini in 2020 and 2024 when she was elected and then re-elected to the San Mateo County Board of Education’s Area 4 Trustee seat.
“There is no greater honor in a race to lead countywide education initiatives than to be supported by teachers throughout San Mateo County,” said Bonini. “Teachers are on the front lines every day, working to ensure our students thrive. This endorsement reflects our shared commitment to prioritizing student success, educator support, and educational equity.”
The CTA endorsement recognizes Bonini as the teachers’ choice for County Superintendent. Her career in San Mateo County education spans more than three decades, beginning in 1994 as a kindergarten teacher in South San Francisco Unified School District. In addition to her current service on the San Mateo County Board of Education, Bonini's leadership experience also includes service on the County Office of Education’s Personnel Commission, on San Mateo County's Behavioral Health and Disabilities Commissions, and as a Trustee for the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
“I understand the challenges educators face because I have experienced them in my own classroom,” Bonini added. “Strong partnerships with teachers aren’t just important—they’re essential to improving outcomes for our students. Teachers know what works, and as County Superintendent, I will ensure their voices are heard and valued in decision-making.”
As County Superintendent, Bonini will work in strong partnership with educators to advance key priorities. She’s championed science-based literacy instruction and early screening for dyslexia to ensure every child becomes a confident, capable reader. She’s been a consistent advocate for expanding mental health resources, working to remove stigma and improve access to care through initiatives that create shared knowledge of pathways to services.
Bonini is committed to ensuring academic excellence for all students and has also led efforts to increase fiscal transparency and accountability at the County Office of Education through active engagement in the budget process, leadership through a complete review and revision of her board's policies, and by spearheading the creation and adoption of governance protocols that embrace collaboration and shared governance between the County Board of Education and the County Superintendent of Schools.
“Educators deserve a leader who respects their expertise and will fight for the resources and support they need to do their best work,” said Bonini. “I’m honored to have earned the trust of CTA and the teachers of San Mateo County.”
Bonini lives in the City of San Mateo with her husband and two sons.
For more information, please contact Chelsea Bonini at [email protected] or (415) 531-0508.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2025
Chelsea Bonini Announces Candidacy for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
SAN MATEO, CA — County Board of Education Trustee Chelsea Bonini announced today her candidacy for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the June 2026 election. Bonini, who has represented Area 4 since unseating a fourteen-year incumbent in 2020 and winning re-election in 2024, seeks to fill the position that will be vacated by the current Superintendent's retirement.
"Strong schools are the foundation of thriving communities," said Bonini. "I am committed to ensuring that every student in San Mateo County has access to inclusive and high-quality educational opportunities."
Bonini brings over a decade of educational leadership experience to her candidacy. Her service includes terms on the County Office of Education's Personnel Commission and as a San Mateo-Foster City School Board Trustee, representing the county's largest school district. Her educational career in San Mateo County began in 1994 as a kindergarten teacher in the South San Francisco Unified School District.
As County Superintendent, Bonini intends to prioritize several key initiatives. She has championed structured literacy strategies that make reading accessible for all students, including those with dyslexia. "Learning to read is a civil right," Bonini emphasizes. "As educators, we are responsible for making literacy accessible to every student."
Drawing from her leadership on the County's Commission on Disabilities and Behavioral Health Commission, where she helped launch the Mental Health Pathways project, Bonini is committed to expanding access to mental health resources. "Our children cannot learn effectively if their mental health needs are not addressed," notes Bonini. "Our mental health supports for students and families need to become more proactive, seamless, empathetic, and stigma-free."
On the County Board, Bonini has led efforts to increase transparency and accountability for the office's $100+ million budget through policy revisions and the adoption of a governance handbook establishing clear expectations and protocols. She also successfully advocated for maintaining the County Board's Gateway Community School when the current administration sought its closure in 2022, ensuring that students furthest from opportunity retain access to this vital countywide resource.
Bonini plans to continue efforts toward regional collaboration to secure increased and sustainable funding for San Mateo County's school districts, with the goal of closing the current $20,000+ per-student funding gap across the county.
In preparation for her candidacy, Bonini completed her Master of Arts in Educational Administration & Leadership at San Francisco State University's Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies and fulfilled her Preliminary Administrative Services Credential requirements. Bonini lives in the City of San Mateo with her husband and two sons and currently teaches second grade in Los Altos.
For more information, please contact Chelsea Bonini at [email protected] or (415) 531-0508.
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April 14, 2025
Chelsea Bonini Announces Candidacy for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools
SAN MATEO, CA — County Board of Education Trustee Chelsea Bonini announced today her candidacy for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools in the June 2026 election. Bonini, who has represented Area 4 since unseating a fourteen-year incumbent in 2020 and winning re-election in 2024, seeks to fill the position that will be vacated by the current Superintendent's retirement.
"Strong schools are the foundation of thriving communities," said Bonini. "I am committed to ensuring that every student in San Mateo County has access to inclusive and high-quality educational opportunities."
Bonini brings over a decade of educational leadership experience to her candidacy. Her service includes terms on the County Office of Education's Personnel Commission and as a San Mateo-Foster City School Board Trustee, representing the county's largest school district. Her educational career in San Mateo County began in 1994 as a kindergarten teacher in the South San Francisco Unified School District.
As County Superintendent, Bonini intends to prioritize several key initiatives. She has championed structured literacy strategies that make reading accessible for all students, including those with dyslexia. "Learning to read is a civil right," Bonini emphasizes. "As educators, we are responsible for making literacy accessible to every student."
Drawing from her leadership on the County's Commission on Disabilities and Behavioral Health Commission, where she helped launch the Mental Health Pathways project, Bonini is committed to expanding access to mental health resources. "Our children cannot learn effectively if their mental health needs are not addressed," notes Bonini. "Our mental health supports for students and families need to become more proactive, seamless, empathetic, and stigma-free."
On the County Board, Bonini has led efforts to increase transparency and accountability for the office's $100+ million budget through policy revisions and the adoption of a governance handbook establishing clear expectations and protocols. She also successfully advocated for maintaining the County Board's Gateway Community School when the current administration sought its closure in 2022, ensuring that students furthest from opportunity retain access to this vital countywide resource.
Bonini plans to continue efforts toward regional collaboration to secure increased and sustainable funding for San Mateo County's school districts, with the goal of closing the current $20,000+ per-student funding gap across the county.
In preparation for her candidacy, Bonini completed her Master of Arts in Educational Administration & Leadership at San Francisco State University's Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies and fulfilled her Preliminary Administrative Services Credential requirements. Bonini lives in the City of San Mateo with her husband and two sons and currently teaches second grade in Los Altos.
For more information, please contact Chelsea Bonini at [email protected] or (415) 531-0508.
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