MDUSD board member Hansen eyes county superintendent post

Clayton resident will run in 2018

Clayton resident Cheryl Hansen says she will run for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools next year.

Hansen is finishing her second term on the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board and says she has accomplished what she set out to do.

“It was important to me to change leadership and the district culture to a positive, forward-thinking organization,” Hansen said. “I also wanted to ensure that the positive changes I worked for were rooted and sustainable. Clearly, that has transpired as Mt. Diablo is in great hands with Superintendent (Nellie) Meyer and will keep getting better and better with her leadership.”

She said serving as a trustee for the Mt. Diablo district give her additional perspective and expertise that would allow her “to quickly and effectively step in as superintendent and lead the county Office of Education forward.”

In August, Superintendent Karen Sakata said she would not seek a second term.

Hansen worked as a county Office of Education administrator for 10 years. She also served as the founding principal of Rodriguez High, Fairfield-Suisun’s third high school. Prior to that, she worked as an assistant principal at Alhambra High in Martinez and a vice principal at College Park High in Pleasant Hill. Hansen was a middle and high school teacher at Ygnacio Valley High, Northgate High, Olympic High and Oak Grove Middle in the Mt. Diablo district. Hansen continues her work as a coach and mentor for school administrators.

“Education has been both my career and my commitment. I am, passionately, a student and teacher for life,” she said.

The Walnut Creek native holds a bachelor’s degree in English and French from Cal State Hayward, professional clear teaching and administrative services credentials, and a master’s degree in educational leadership.

She says she is eager to bring her leadership skills and experience at all levels of public education to serve the county’s districts and students.

“CCCOE needs to have leadership from someone with a breadth of experience who understands that one of the major functions of the county Office of Education is to be a true service provider to school districts, an organization that is responsive, relevant, current and supportive,” Hansen said. “I am confident I can serve effectively and with a focus on equity and excellence.”