PACIFICA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE
Kelly Mendoza, PhD
She/Her | 2-year term
Education Programs Leader. Parent. Strategic Thinker.
Plan for a clear future
Make informed decisions
Open door communication
“We don’t serve students well by simply reacting to what’s in front of us. We need to understand the full picture, listen to perspectives beyond our own, consider the consequences of our choices, and plan for what comes next for our students. That’s how we create schools that are ready for the future, and prepare students for an evolving world.”
Why I’m Running
Supporting our schools is essential to help children learn to be critical thinkers, and succeed as responsible and engaged citizens. A district cannot thrive if their board does not have proper oversight of the budget, fails to listen to the community, and lacks a clear and stable plan. I am prepared to help the district with responsible decision-making, long-term planning, technology and AI vision, while equipping students to be prepared for the future.
Meet Dr. Kelly Mendoza
My commitment
Plan for a clear future
Establish clear expectations, track progress, and make sure problems are addressed before they become costly or difficult to solve.
Make informed decisions
Review data and accurate information, consider strengths, weakness and impacts, and consider the public feedback in order to make clear-eyed decisions.
Open-door communication
Give families and community members more ways to connect with the board, and make sure their input shapes decisions.
About Kelly Mendoza
Kelly is a Pacifica community member, education professional, and parent of a child who attended Pacifica’s wonderful public schools. With a Master’s in Communication and Rhetoric, and a PhD in Media and Communication, Kelly is trained in communication methods that lead with curiosity, practice active listening, and creating space for multiple perspectives.
As an education programs leader, Kelly has spent her career helping students, educators, and families navigate our rapidly changing world of media and technology. She has served in senior leadership roles at organizations including Common Sense Media, which helps kids, parents and educators navigate the digital world. She has led the development of award-winning curriculum and resources reaching millions of students—advancing online safety, media literacy, and digital well-being.
Kelly is running because she believes that schools are the cornerstone of the community, and supporting our schools is essential to help children learn to be critical thinkers, and thrive as responsible and engaged citizens. She is prepared to help the district with responsible decision-making, long-term planning, technology and AI vision, while equipping students to be prepared for the future.