EGUSD Board candidate Rachell Reinwald endorsed by Former California schools chief Jack O’Connell

ELK GROVE, Calif. — Former California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell has endorsed Rachell Reinwald in the race for an open seat on the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education.

Reinwald is running for the district’s Trustee Area 5 seat against Varinder Singh in the Nov. 3 election. The seat is currently held by Beth Albiani, who has decided against seeking another term.

O’Connell, who served two terms as California’s state superintendent after two decades in the Legislature, cited Reinwald’s emphasis on students, collaboration and educational opportunities in announcing his support.

“Rachell Reinwald will put students first and is committed to meeting the needs of families throughout District 5,” O’Connell said. “She will work collaboratively with district leadership, teachers, staff, and parents to strengthen educational opportunities and help ensure every student has a path to achieve their goals and prepare for the future.”

The endorsement gives Reinwald the backing of another prominent California political and education figure as she competes with Singh for the open seat. Singh has the support of Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen.

O’Connell’s endorsement follows one from California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Reinwald’s campaign also lists former Fresno Unified Superintendent and former Elk Grove Unified Assistant Superintendent Michael Hanson, early-learning educator Julie Montali and education policy and school-finance consultant Kevin Gordon among her supporters.

Reinwald said O’Connell’s background in public education made his endorsement particularly significant.

“Jack has spent much of his career working to strengthen public education and expand opportunities for California students, which makes his support especially meaningful to me,” Reinwald said. “Our students will take many different paths after graduation. I want Elk Grove Unified to give each of them the foundation, opportunities and support to be prepared for the future they choose.”

Reinwald is a longtime Elk Grove resident, first-generation college graduate and mother of three Elk Grove Unified graduates. According to her campaign, her priorities include responsible stewardship, educational opportunities, safe schools and stronger partnerships among the district, educators and families. She also emphasizes preparing students for a range of post-graduation options, including college, careers, skilled trades and military service.

The Area 5 contest is one of the races that will help determine the future composition of the seven-member Elk Grove Unified board. With Albiani leaving the board, voters will choose between two candidates who are seeking to establish their own bases of support among local and statewide political and education figures.

Reinwald and Singh will face voters in the Nov. 3 general election.