BOARD OF EDUCATION

School Board

The Emery Unified School District Board of Trustees is composed of five dedicated volunteers who are elected at-large by their community to serve four-year, staggered terms. This Board supervises the administration of the school district, ensures fiscal responsibility, and implements policies that reinforce the district's mission and vision. Alongside the Superintendent, the Board operates as a unified team dedicated to attaining the district's goals, all while embodying shared values that prioritize student success and continuous enhancement.

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The Board's service extends beyond the students, staff, and community members of Emery Unified. They are also staunch advocates for public education. The Board strives to establish partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to broaden educational prospects for all students. Moreover, they provide feedback to local and state government officials regarding issues that directly influence public education.

REGULAR MEETING CALENDAR

January 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

February 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

March 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

April 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

May 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

June 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

June 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

August 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

September 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

October 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

November 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

December 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Brynnda Collins

Board President

​Contact: [email protected]

​​Term ends: 2026

I established residency in Emeryville over 13 years ago. During this time, I worked for our school district and our city.

I am the proud parent of 24-year-old and past School Board Trustee Brittany Collins-Rogers who was educated through the EUSD system. While raising my daughter as a single parent, I completed course work with Harvard University receiving a certificate of completion in “Teaching for Understanding”. My character and leadership – both, courageous and strong, ensure that I will positively impact the students, staff and families of EUSD.

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I am passionate about serving our children and building the capacity of others to create positive change. Using a proven track record for building networks and effective relationships, I am poised to facilitate courageous conversations and take action addressing issues. Such as student achievement, and civic engagement. Bridging the gap between city, schools and community across divides like class, generation and race, I am focused on moving our district forward in a progressive manner.

Susan Donaldson

Vice President

Contact: [email protected]

​Term ends: 2026

I established residency in Emeryville over 13 years ago. During this time, I worked for our school district and our city.

I am the proud parent of 24-year-old and past School Board Trustee Brittany Collins-Rogers who was educated through the EUSD system. While raising my daughter as a single parent, I completed course work with Harvard University receiving a certificate of completion in “Teaching for Understanding”. My character and leadership – both, courageous and strong, ensure that I will positively impact the students, staff and families of EUSD.

​​

I am passionate about serving our children and building the capacity of others to create positive change. Using a proven track record for building networks and effective relationships, I am poised to facilitate courageous conversations and take action addressing issues. Such as student achievement, and civic engagement. Bridging the gap between city, schools and community across divides like class, generation and race, I am focused on moving our district forward in a progressive manner.

Regina Chagolla

County Representative

Contact: [email protected]​

Term ends: 2026

Regina Chagolla was appointed to the school board in 2020 and elected in 2022. As a first generation graduate, she earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Education, and a Master's degree in Education and multiple subject teaching credential from UC Berkeley. She worked at the Lawrence Hall of Science in curriculum development and implementation for 6 years. She has been an elementary teacher at Berkeley Unified since 2015 and is the Vice President of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers.

Regina advocates for public education for all students and working rights for education professionals at a local and state level. She sits on the California School Board Association's Small School Districts Advisory Workgroup, representing the Emery Unified School District. She was appointed to the California Academic Partnership Program Advisor Board by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. She was awarded Assembly District 18 Educator of the Year in 2024 by Assembly Member Mia Bonta.

She is a proud product of the K-12 public schools and universities and is committed to continuing to bring her experience and passion for working with students and families, along with a leadership background to the board.

Elsie Lee

Clerk

Contact: [email protected] ​

Term ends: 2028

I am honored to serve on the Emery Unified School District board alongside a dedicated team focused on the success and well-being of our students and staff. My journey began in 2021 when I moved to Emeryville seeking a supportive school district for my son, who is on the autism spectrum. Emery High School provided the nurturing environment we needed, and I’m proud to be part of a community that values every child’s potential.

Professionally, I work as a Domestic Violence Case Manager with the San Francisco County Sheriff's Department Women's Resource Center, helping women overcome challenges and thrive. I also founded Sistas With Voices, an initiative focused on breaking the cycle of mass incarceration through healing, empowerment, and community-building. I believe change starts with our children, equipping them with the tools to succeed and become resilient leaders.

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I firmly believe that every child has limitless potential, and unlocking it requires a village. I’m committed to supporting and inspiring our students, ensuring they have every opportunity to reach their goals. Together, we can create a brighter future where our children thrive and lead as the change-makers of tomorrow.

John Van Geffen

Member

Contact: ​​[email protected]​

Term ends: 2028

An Emeryville resident since 2014, John T. Van Geffen is an Aviation Attorney with specialization in litigation, business transactions and regulatory compliance. As the father of an Emeryville kindergartner, John takes great pride in accepting the awesome responsibility of providing leadership and citizen oversight of the Emery Unified School District’s schools and looks forward to working with the Superintendent, staff and public to set a direction for the District establish policies, ensure accountability and provide community leadership on behalf of the District and public education.​

Agendas

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