Menlo Park School Board Election to Fill Three Seats
Four candidates are competing for three open seats on the board representing the Menlo Park City School District.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should school board members be required to have children currently enrolled in the district?
Four candidates will face off in the upcoming election on November 3, 2026, to fill three open seats on the Menlo Park City School District board. The district oversees operations across five schools serving approximately 2,700 students.
Why it matters
Candidates are running to represent the district and influence future board priorities regarding school facilities and operations. The board will oversee the implementation of the $130 million Measure U bond intended for construction and improvements.
The Menlo Park City School District serves approximately 2,700 students across five schools. The board manages local resources including the voter-approved $130 million Measure U bond for facility improvements.
The players
Sherwin Chen
An incumbent member of the board who has served the district since December 2018.
Jed Scolnick
An incumbent board member who has held his position since December 2022.
Maya Herstein
A candidate for the school board who has lived in Menlo Park for 14 years.
Andrew Barnes
A board candidate who previously served for 8 years on the local Planning Commission.
The details
The ballot features two incumbents, Sherwin Chen and Jed Scolnick, alongside newcomers Maya Herstein and Andrew Barnes. These candidates are vying for three seats to guide the district through its upcoming facility projects.
Timeline
December 2018 marked the start of Sherwin Chen's first term on the board.
December 2022 marked the start of Jed Scolnick's current term on the board.
November 3, 2026, is the date of the upcoming school board election.
December 2026 is when the term for current board member Jed Scolnick concludes.
Culture Shift
The election of school board members occurs against the backdrop of the $130 million Measure U bond. This local governance shift aligns with broader efforts by districts to manage aging facility infrastructure through targeted public funding.
The outcome of this election determines which board members will approve construction contracts and prioritize facility improvements for local schools. Residents and families in the district will be directly affected by the management decisions regarding the Measure U bond funds.
The takeaway
Voters will choose which representatives will guide the district through upcoming school construction and modernization projects. Residents should review candidate positions to understand how their priorities align with the long-term facility goals for their children's schools.
Further reading
Learn more about the Administration of local school systems.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palo Alto Daily Post.
Live Poll
Should school board members be required to have children currently enrolled in the district?
