ElectSybil

Sibyl Minighini

MA Counseling Psychology, PPS Credential (CA)

I’m running for the Contra Costa County Board of Education, in Area 2 for the November 03, 2026 Election, to ensure every child, not just in my area but in the entire Contra Costa County, has access to a stable, well‑funded, and excellent public education. As a parent and community member, I’ve seen how budget crises, staff shortages, and unclear priorities hurt classrooms. On the County Board, I will focus on practical solutions that help students learn, teachers teach, and districts operate on solid financial ground.

Contra Costa County schools face serious challenges:

Fiscal instability in several districts, with some at risk of state intervention.
Chronic teacher and specialist shortages, especially in special education and high‑need areas.
Low literacy and math outcomes, chronic absenteeism, and widening opportunity gaps.
Confusion and mistrust between boards, administrators, teachers, and families over budgets and priorities.

The County Board of Education plays a critical role: approving district budgets, overseeing financial health, supporting special education, and setting countywide priorities. I’m running to bring clear, student‑centered leadership to that work.

My Priorities

Fiscal Stability and Transparency for Districts

Districts cannot improve instruction if they are constantly in financial crisis. As a trustee, I will:

Support clear, multi‑year budgeting that aligns spending with enrollment trends and student needs.
Advocate for transparent LCAPs that show exactly how high‑needs funding is used and what results are expected.
Work with the County Superintendent to provide early warning and technical assistance to districts showing fiscal stress, before they reach the brink of receivership.

For parents: You deserve to know how your district’s money is spent and what it’s supposed to achieve.
For districts: The county should be a partner in planning, not just an enforcer after problems arise.

Special Needs Education and Mental Health

As a school psychologist, I know how critical it is to get special education and mental health support right.

Ensure that schools provide adequate support for students with special needs, including appropriate resources, individualized education programs (IEPs), and specialized staff.
Advocate for in‑house special education programs to reduce reliance on costly outside contractors and keep services closer to students.
Prioritize school safety and mental well‑being, addressing bullying (physical, emotional, and cyberbullying), implementing safety protocols, and expanding mental health resources.

For students: Your mental health and sense of safety matter. You should feel supported, not alone.
For parents: You should know that your child’s IEP will be implemented with fidelity and that mental health supports are available.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparent Budgets

Districts cannot improve instruction if they are constantly in financial crisis. As a trustee, I will:

Ensure that the county’s oversight promotes effective budget management by maximizing resources for student learning and maintaining financial stability.
Support clear, multi‑year budgeting that aligns spending with enrollment trends and student needs.
Advocate for transparent LCAPs that show exactly how high‑needs funding is used and what results are expected.
Work with the County Superintendent to provide early warning and technical assistance to districts showing fiscal stress, before they reach the brink of receivership.

Listen to the Community

School board trustees must listen to students, teachers, and parents to effectively address concerns, foster a supportive educational environment, and make informed decisions that benefit the entire school community.

Hold regular, accessible community meetings in Area 2 to hear directly from parents, teachers, and students.
Push for plain‑language summaries of budgets, LCAPs, and key decisions so families can participate meaningfully.
Ensure the County Board’s work is visible and understandable, not hidden in dense reports and late‑night votes.

For families: You should understand what the County Board does and how it affects your school.
For the community: Strong, honest communication builds trust and better decisions.

CHAMPION Student Well-Being and Safety

I will prioritize the safety, mental health, and overall well-being of all students by supporting a school environment where every child feels respected, supported, and ready to learn.

School Safety: Work to ensure that schools have clear safety protocols, strong supervision, and a secure learning environment for students and staff.
Mental Health: Support access to counseling, wellness resources, and early intervention so students can get help before small problems become larger ones.
Bullying Prevention: Help strengthen anti-bullying efforts, including prevention of physical, emotional, and online bullying.
Student Support: Ensure students facing academic stress, family hardships, disability-related needs, or emotional challenges receive the support they need to succeed.
Family Communication: Encourage schools and districts to communicate clearly with parents and guardians so concerns can be addressed early and collaboratively.
Whole-Child Approach: Promote an education system that supports both academic success and emotional health from elementary school through high school and beyond.

Thank you for reading,

Sibyl Minighini

Vote by 11-03-26 Sibyl Minighini for CCCBOE, Area 2