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Soquel Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees, Area 4

Two candidates are vying for one position on the Soquel Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees, Area 4.

The candidates for this race filled out surveys answering the same set of questions. We are publishing their answers directly as submitted, only edited for clarity. 

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Meet the candidates • On the issues • About the school district

Meet the candidates

Ariel Gray (incumbent)

Age: 47.

Occupation: Operations Director.

Political background: Been on the SUESD school board since early 2024, and has served as the president since December 2025.

Andrea Locke

Age: 38.

Occupation: Contractor, mother, coach.

Political background: First time candidate.

Candidates on the issues

In what ways do you plan on helping boost student enrollment throughout the district?

We are at a critical inflection point with our district having just entered into basic aid status, which changes the funding mechanism away from student enrollment numbers. Given that, my focus is on financial transparency and stability during this transition more so than boosting enrollment. Of course, I am always focused on ensuring we have strong programs for the students and families in our district.

Transparency in curriculum and parent involvement in the education provided.

Do you have plans to increase SUESD educator salaries and benefits to help meet the County’s high cost of living? (SUESD ranks the lowest out of all districts in the County)

Yes. I proposed and we are establishing a subcommittee looking at SUESD salaries, with the goal of developing recommendations and a plan for a more equitable and sustainable salary structure across employee groups, subject to applicable collective bargaining processes.

Remaining focused on training that is education based is my priority. Which in turn would create qualified educators available to a higher pay.

How are you addressing high turnover with teachers and educators in your district?

I think improving our standing on salary benchmarks is the first step in creating a district where our educators can establish roots for their career. The subcommittee and recommendations mentioned above are among my highest priorities this year.

I believe the turnover is due to the environment provided and the lack of budget management creating layoffs. My plan would be to include teachers’ concerns in the discussion and take what they bring to the board into consideration.

Are you still considering the idea of shutting down a SUESD school due to budget cuts?

It is not a current item on our board agenda. As trustees, it is our responsibility to tackle the difficult questions, and I am proud that we had the courage to do so last year.

I believe that shutting down schools due to budget cuts is a failure in the system from the beginning. Budget cuts are because of a lack of budget management.

What do you think is the most pressing need/issue facing SUESD currently?

Managing our transition to basic aid and the complexities and uncertainties of this new status while establishing a near-term plan to provide more equitable salaries to our teachers and staff.

Lack of enrollment is the most pressing need to address. Enrollment is down 22% which I believe is due to the education kids are receiving.

Why is it important for voters to choose a good candidate for this seat?

There is a wide range of decisions, responsibilities, and information that school boards manage. Voters need someone they can trust to be thoughtful, thorough, and open-minded to represent them and deliberate on complex topics that have far-reaching implications for our students and community. I have demonstrated that I put in the work to understand the issues and make decisions in the best interests of students.

Putting education and the educators first builds your children’s futures.

About the school district

The Soquel Union Elementary School District serves approximately 1,700 students in the communities of Capitola, Soquel and Santa Cruz. The school district is governed by a five-member board, and works in conjunction with the Superintendent.

Trustee Area 4 includes part of Capitola, near New Brighton Middle School and eastern areas of the school district.

Santa Cruz Mayor
Capitola City Council
Scotts Valley City Council
Watsonville City Council
PVUSD Board of Trustees
Felton Fire
Measure D
Measure E
Measure G