Nov. 3, 2026 election guide to San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District

San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees

Two candidates are vying for the Area 4 seat on the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees.

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.

Jump to:

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

Meet the candidates

Gail Levine (incumbent)

Age: 81.

Occupation: Member of the current SLVUSD Board of Trustees, former superintendent, principal.

Political background: Experience and knowledge as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Ashleigh Hopkins

Age: 39.

Occupation: Former legal professional, PTA President and mother.

Political background: First time candidate.

Candidates on the issues

What is the biggest concern facing SLVUSD that you want to address?

Hopkins on top needs

I would like to reengage with parents and teachers to ensure that the decisions of the school board accurately reflect the needs of students and parents throughout the community.

What is one of your visions for SLVUSD?

Levine on her vision

Continue to provide high level college and career programs for all students.

Hopkins on her vision

That all students, parents and teachers feel represented, and that there is transparency in budgetary uses decisions.

How do you intend to retain and hire more teachers?

Levine on employee retention

Provide salaries that are competitive with other districts.

Hopkins on employee retention

Prioritizing teachers’ voices, wage and benefits packages and supportive classroom resource allocation.

What are your plans to keep steady student enrollment rates?

Levine on enrollment rates

Provide higher standards and programs for all students.

Hopkins on enrollment rates

Creating open communication and collaboration between parents, teachers and the school board that allow for need based decisions and foster positive experiences that adequately prepare students.

About the school district

The schools of the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District serves the towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, Brookdale and Boulder Creek. The high school houses over 700 students, with the total district enrollment over 2,600 students. The district also has an independent charter school with an enrollment of over 2,500 students.

Santa Cruz Mayor

Capitola City Council

Scotts Valley City Council

Watsonville City Council

PVUSD Board of Trustees