Brian

I’m a retired teacher/union leader, who is currently a board member here in San Jose Unified School District. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler because I wasn’t toddling. It is a rather mild case affecting my right side causing weakness, a lack of dexterity, and a noticeable limp.

I was born in 1960 in New York. At 18 months, I was talking but not walking and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. I had several surgeries growing up which resolved some of my mobility issues as I learned to adapt. My mom brought my sister and me to Southern California in 1968. 

I graduated from UCLA with a degree in political science in 1982. The best thing about college was meeting my future wife! Danielle and I were married in 1984. Hired in Evergreen SD in 1985, I practiced negotiating peace with 5th/6th graders for 25 years! I was asked to run for ETA President in 2008. I retired in 2020.

While all this was happening, Danielle and I decided to expand our family. Nessa was born in 1988 followed by Julia in 1990. Our family life experienced another change when we became foster guardians for teenage sisters from Ethiopia in 2016. We eventually parted ways due to their desire for independence.

Empty-nesters again, Danielle and I realized campaigning for and being reelected as a school board was the next logical step. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community!

Want to keep reading? Meet Mark.