Issues & Initiatives

Literacy for All

“Learning to read is a civil right.”
Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader, yet far too many are being left behind. Chelsea believes that literacy is not just an educational goal; it’s a matter of equity and justice.

As a County Board Trustee, she has been a champion for structured literacy, rooted in science, and has advocated for early screening and support for students with dyslexia. Now, with the passage of AB 1454, Chelsea is looks forward to guiding our County to implement this call to action for effective reading instruction.

As Superintendent, Chelsea will lead a countywide effort to ensure that:

All schools implement evidence-based reading instruction aligned with the science of reading.
Educators receive training and support to identify and support students with reading challenges.
Parents and caregivers have clear, accessible information on literacy programs and student progress.

Reading is the foundation of learning. It’s time we treated it that way.

Mental Health Access

Healthy minds are essential for healthy learning.
Chelsea has long been a leader in mental health advocacy for students, working to remove stigma and expand access to care across San Mateo County. She co-led the Mental Health Pathways Project, helping districts understand and improve their behavioral health systems.

As Superintendent, Chelsea will:

Build partnerships to increase on-campus mental health staff and services.
Prioritize preventative and trauma-informed practices in every district.
Champion universal social-emotional learning and suicide prevention efforts.
Support school leaders in creating environments where students with mental health diagnoses feel safe, seen, and supported.

Our kids are navigating a mental health crisis, Chelsea has the experience and urgency to respond.

Disability Equity

"Inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential."
Chelsea’s commitment to equity is deeply personal. As a mother of two sons and a former member of the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities, she has worked to make sure schools are welcoming and supportive for all students.

Her leadership helped launch a countywide mental health initiative (the Mental Health Pathways Project) to create a resource to reveal efficient, empathetic, and student-centered pathways to mental health services for families in crisis, and she’s been a consistent voice for accessible services, inclusive classrooms, and high expectations for all learners.
As Superintendent, Chelsea will:

Ensure all districts uphold federal and state disability protections.
Promote universal design and inclusive education practices.
Collaborate with families, students, and educators to build a system that works for everyone.

True equity means every student belongs, and every student succeeds.

Academic Excellence

Challenging every student. Supporting every learner.
Delivering real outcomes.

Every student deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for college, career, and life. True academic excellence means pushing every student to reach their full potential, whether they’re ready to advance beyond grade level or need extra support to catch up.

Chelsea believes that a great education system must do both: accelerate learning for advanced students and close achievement gaps with targeted, effective supports, and that our schools must raise the bar while ensuring all students have the tools and support to reach it.As a former teacher, education attorney, and policy leader, Chelsea knows that excellence doesn't happen by accident, it takes strong leadership, evidence-based practices, and community collaboration.
As Superintendent, Chelsea will:

Expand access to enrichment programs and accelerated coursework for high-achieving students.
Support educators with professional development and instructional resources aligned with state standards.
Expand opportunities for early college credit, career exploration, and STEAM education.
Use data to identify achievement gaps, and invest in proven strategies to close them.
Invest in early intervention, tutoring, and individualized instruction to support students who are behind.
Promote data-driven teaching that identifies student needs and delivers real-time solutions.

When we believe in every student’s potential, and back it up with action, excellence becomes possible for everyone.

Fiscal Accountability

$100 million. One mission: students first.
The County Office of Education oversees a $100M+ budget, and Chelsea believes every dollar must be used wisely and transparently. On the County Board, she’s already led efforts to strengthen oversight, improve financial reporting, and ensure alignment between spending and student outcomes.
As Superintendent, Chelsea will:

Publish clear, user-friendly budget dashboards to increase transparency.
Ensure program dollars are tied to measurable student success.
Advocate for better tools for financial planning and public engagement.

It’s not just about spending money, it’s about investing in results.

Addressing Funding Gaps

No child should receive less because of their zip code.
Right now, students across San Mateo County experience a staggering $20,000+ per-student funding gap, depending on the district they attend. Chelsea believes this is unacceptable, and that the County Superintendent must lead with vision, transparency, and urgency to close this divide.
As Superintendent, Chelsea will:

Advocate for improved state and local funding formulas that prioritize student need.
Ensure small and under-resourced districts receive the support they need to thrive.

Education equity starts with responsible investment. Chelsea is ready to lead that fight.