MEET DANA EATON
Dr. Dana Eaton is in his 17th year as a school district superintendent. He is the current superintendent of schools for the Brentwood Union School District, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to that, he served as the superintendent for the Jefferson School District. With a nearly 30-year career in education, Dana has held a wide range of roles, including teacher, mentor teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and superintendent.
A graduate of Albany High School, Dana began his higher education at Contra Costa Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University, a teaching credential, administrative credential and master’s degree from Saint Mary’s College, and a doctorate from the University of La Verne. Dana has served as an adjunct professor at both California State East Bay and California State Stanislaus, has participated on dissertation committees for the University of La Verne, and currently serves as a leadership coach through UC Berkeley.
Dana is the current ACSA Superintendency Council President for the state of California. He is a member of the Superintendent Advisory Panel for the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the state’s support provider to districts in need of academic assistance. He serves as a state Governing Board Member for the Fiscal Crisis Management and Assistance Team (FCMAT), the state’s school finance oversight organization. He is past president of the California City Superintendent’s Association, past chair of the California State Superintendent Symposium Planning Committee. Dana is a past president of the Rotary Club of Brentwood and is co-president of the Brentwood Regional Community Chest.
In recognition of his leadership, Dana was named ACSA Superintendent of the Year for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in both 2016 and 2023. In 2023, he also received the Celebrate Literacy Award from the Contra Costa Reading Association. He was honored with a 125th Anniversary Alumni Award from the University of La Verne and was named Brentwood Citizen of the Year in 2019 by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Dana comes from a long line of educators. His grandparents, mother, sister, and wife all served their communities as teachers. He lives in Brentwood with his wife, Renee, and they are proud parents of two college students. Their daughter, Emily, is attending law school at UC Davis, and their son, James, is studying communications at California State University, Sacramento.
PRIORITIES
Students and learning are at the center of all policies for Dana Eaton.
Advance Early Literacy and Early Learning
Ensure every child reads proficiently by third grade through evidence-based literacy instruction and supporting educators.
Promote Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability
Provide strong oversight and support to all districts to ensure effective use of public funds and equitable access to resources.
Ensure the Success of Every Child
All students, regardless of circumstance or need, deserve the opportunity to thrive whether in general education, special education, or alternative settings.
Recruit, Develop, and Retain Excellent Educators
Attract and support high-quality teachers, principals, and staff with recruitment, meaningful professional development, mentorship, and positive working conditions.
Ensure Safe and Supportive Schools
Prioritize school safety, civil discourse, and social-emotional learning as the foundation for effective teaching and learning.
Support Student Mental Health
Expand access to counseling, wellness initiatives, and community partnerships that address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
Prepare Students for College, Career, and Life
Build seamless pathways from preschool through high school that equip every student with the skills, knowledge, and character needed to thrive in a rapidly changing future.
Empower Families and Student Voice
Strengthen partnerships with parents, students, and communities to ensure shared leadership and responsive educational programs.
KEY EXPERIENCE
Dana Eaton is an experienced and respected education leader with 30 years of service as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Known for his collaborative leadership and student-centered approach, Dr. Eaton has consistently championed early literacy, student mental health, supporting the whole child and school safety as foundational priorities.
17 Years of Superintendent Experience
With seventeen years as a school district superintendent, Dana brings unmatched practical experience to help support the 18 school districts in Contra Costa County. His leadership through both challenges and achievements gives him the integrity, credibility, and empathy needed to serve as Contra Costa County Superintendent.
California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) Superintendent Advisory Panel Member
Dana’s work on the CCEE’s statewide Superintendents Advisory Panel has given him the tools to help districts improve and approve their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs). He understands how important it is to use the planning process to provide outstanding educational opportunities for every student.
Service on the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) State Governing Board
Dana’s service on the FCMAT Governing Board has deepened his experience around school finance and oversight. He is uniquely prepared to help districts maintain sound fiscal practices and avoid financial missteps, ensuring strong stewardship of public funds.
State President
ACSA Superintendency Council
As the current State President of the ACSA Superintendency Council, Dana is strongly connected to influential decision makers throughout the state of California. He has continually advocated on behalf of students, teachers and educational leaders at the state and federal level. He is ready to bring that same passionate, informed voice to advocate for the nearly 170,000 students in Contra Costa County.
ENDORSEMENTS
Superintendents
Dr. Rebeca Andrade, Superintendent, Salinas City Elementary School District
Dr. Leticia Bhatia, Superintendent, John Swett Unified School District
Chris Calabrese, Superintendent, Benicia Unified School District
C.J. Cammack, Superintendent, San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Crystal Castaneda, Superintendent, Byron Union School District
Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Dr. Roxane Fuentes, Superintendent, Berryessa Union School District
Dr. Aida Glimme, Superintendent, Orinda Union School District
Dr. Antoine Hawkins, Superintendent, Evergreen School District
Lynn Mackey, Superintendent, Contra Costa County Office of Education
Dr. Kimberly McGrath, Superintendent, Reed Union School District
Dr. Michael McLaughlin, Superintendent, San Leandro Unified School District
Dr. Shawnterra Moore, Superintendent, South San Francisco Unified School District
Marie Morgan, Superintendent, Walnut Creek Unified School District
Dr. John Nickerson, Superintendent, Acalanes High School District
Jeff Palmquist, Superintendent, Oakley Union Elementary School District
Dr. Julie Parks, Superintendent, Moraga School District
Dr. Audra Pittman, Superintendent, Calistoga Joint Unified School District
Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent, San Luis Coastal Unified School District
Anthony Ranii, Superintendent, Montecito Union School District
Dr. Jeff Roberts, Superintendent, Plumas Lake Elementary School District
Denise Rugani, Superintendent, Liberty Union High School District
Jennifer Sachs, Superintendent, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
Dr. Janet Schulze, Superintendent, Pittsburg Unified School District
Pasquale Scuderi, Superintendent, Alameda Unified School District
Dr. Brent Stephens, Superintendent, Lafayette School District
Sara Stone, Superintendent, Albany Unified School District
Eric Volta, Superintendent, Mountain View-Los Altos High School District
Harvey Yurkovich, Superintendent, Knightsen Elementary School District
School Board Members
Pauline Allred, Liberty Union High School District
Sarah Butler, Board President, Contra Costa County Board of Education
Logan Campbell, Martinez Unified School District
Dr. Thuy Dao-Jensen, Brentwood Union School District
Scott Dudek, Brentwood Union School District
Emil J. Geddes, Brentwood Union School District
Steve Gursky, Brentwood Union School District
Annette Lewis, Contra Costa County Board of Education
Mike Maxwell, Contra Costa County Board of Education
Linda Mayo, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Daniel Nathan-Heiss, Contra Costa County Board of Education
Yolanda Peña-Mendrek, Liberty Union High School District
Mary Rocha, Antioch Unified School District
Fernando Sandoval, Contra Costa Community College District
Dr. Victor Thornhill, Brentwood Union School District
Susan Wallace, Liberty Union High School District
Tamara Weber, Liberty Union High School District
Dr. De'shawn Woolridge, Pittsburg Unified School District Board Member
Teachers and Educators
Shannon Abono
Tobi Laird Benz, Former Oakley Union Elementary School District Teacher of the Year and Former Board Member
Nick Berger, Educator
Shannon Biggs
Neil Boden
Shelley Boden
Beth Breeman
Karen Cailotto, Liberty High School TLC Academy Coordinator
Lisa Ehrlich
Carrie Elliot
Pam Fischer
Stephanie Goldman
Courtney Gomez
Paula Gonzalez
Lisa Gray
Neko Green
Debbi Harding
Jami Hastings
Jennifer Heaney
Lindsey Heaney
Kathleen Hernandez
Stacy Hernandez
Ed Hill
Erica Horan
Shara Isenburg
Annette Iwamoto
Sue Kapovich
Tracy Kemper
Lisa Kennealy
Barbara Macedo
Amy McCarthy
Lisa McLaughlin
Diane McMullen
Rose Melgoza
Kathie Moe
Shannon Morton, Former Brentwood Union School District Teacher of the Year
Mara Muniz
Lisa Oest
Jo Olney
Jan Pearson
Karen Peltz
Carla Polk
Anne Power
Suzi Redman
Kathryn Riseon
Alexis Robbins
Philip Rodriguez
Jenny Rohlfs
Kyle Roman
Lindsey Saylor
Bart Schieder
Gari Ann Schmidt
Paul Slay
Corey Spainhower, 2025–2026 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year
Paul Taylor
Susan Torres
Ashley Wilkins
Joseph Zanotto
Nicholas Zefeldt, Former San Ramon Valley USD Teacher of the Year
Community Leaders
Dr. J. Douglas Adams, Retired Superintendent
Parvin Ahmadi, Retired Superintendent, Castro Valley Unified School District
Newell Arnerich, Mayor of Danville
Marsha & Bruce Baird
Amy Bettencourt, Former Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Antioch Unified School District
John Bernard, Retired Superintendent
Marsha Brown
Nick Casey
Mary Casey Black, Retired Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Debbie Blow, Retired Superintendent
Dr. Ron Carruth
Ian Cohen, UAW 4123 Head Steward, California State University East Bay
Megan Balderas, Site Director of Vista Oaks Charter School and Former Teacher and Administrator in Brentwood USD
Joel Bryant, Former Mayor of Brentwood
Joan Buchanan, Former Assembly Member and Former San Ramon Valley USD Board Member
Mary Jane Burke, Retired Marin County Superintendent of Schools
Community Leaders (Continued)
Malisa Burhart, Former Director of Special Education
Bruce Burns, Former Superintendent, Moraga School District
Nick Carpenter, Associate Superintendent, Business Services, Acalanes Union High School District
Mike Crosby
Samy D'Amico, Retired Principal
Christine W. Deane
Diane Deshler
Jack Doria
Doug and Ruth Eaton
Karen Eaton, Educational Services Coordinator
Rusty Ehrlich, Principal
Julie Elam
Carrie Elliot
Jean Follmer, Former Lafayette School Board President
Kara Fox, Special Education Program Coordinator
Susan France
Donald P. Freitas, Antioch Mayor Pre Tem
Katie Gaines, Retired Assistant Superintendent, Contra Costa County Office of Education
Darin Gale, Pittsburg City Manager
Diane Gibson-Gray, Former Antioch Unified School District Trustee
Norma Gonzales, Retired Assistant Superintendent, Contra Costa County Office of Education
Lauren Griggs, Principal
Adrienne "Ms. Cookie" Guinn, Partners In Education Advocacy
Tom Hansen, Retired Police Chief, Brentwood
Barry Healy
Tim Herbert, Retired Police Chief, Brentwood
Hugh Henderson, Mayor, City of Oakley; Retired Fire Chief, East Contra Costa Fire
Greg Hetrick, Retired Superintendent, Oakley Union Elementary School District
Dr. Kevin Horan, President, Crafton Hills College
Tiffany Herron-Lumpkin, Partners In Education Advocacy
Glenn Huxtable, Brentwood
Christine Ibarra, Retired Associate Superintendent, Antioch Unified School District
Nikita Joshi
Rob Kessler, Retired Superintendent, San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Kevin King, Brentwood Regional Community Chest Co-President
Fran Krug, Retired Educator
Margaret Kruse, Former Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Elizabeth LaVasse
Dr. Maggie MacIsaac, Former Superintendent, Burlingame School District
Kelly Manke, Director of Special Education
Carol and Doug Marin
Amanda Minnich
John Mixon
Richard Nicoll, Former Interim Superintendnet, Mt. Diablo Uniifed School District
Jack O’Connell, Former State Superintendent
Tim Ogden, Former City Manager, Brentwood
Margo Olson, Former Director, Contra Costa County Office of Education
Lori Orgorchock, Former Antioch City Council Member
Dr. Jon Ovick, Director of Student Services, Benicia Unified School District
Teresa Peccorini, Secretary, Student Services
Han Phung, Deputy Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
Lill Pierce
Laura Raneri
Linda Rhodes Parks
Joanna Riggs
Vickey Rinehart, Retired Superintendent, Knightsen Elementary School District
Louie Rocha, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem
Jane Rodriguez, Former Human Resources Coordinator
Johnny Rodriguez, Founder, One Day at a Time; Former Brentwood Union School District Member; Former Brentwood City Council Member
Karen Sakata, Retired Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools
John Saylor, Director of Special Education
Ali Schneider, Realtor REMAX Accord
Patty Schneider, Vice Principal, Brentwood Elementary School
Pat Stevens
Brian Swisher, Former Mayor of Brentwood
Dr. George Sziraki, Director, Small School Districts’ Association
Marsha Tokuyoshi, Retired Assistant Superintendent, Contra Costa County Office of Education
Nancy Torres, Former Special Education Director
Deborah Tyler-Ovick
Jonathan Welton, Former SEPLA Director, Contra Costa County
Richard Whitmore, Retired Superintendent, Lafayette School District
Paula Williams
Liz Ybarra, Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction
Rachel Zinn, Retired Superintendent, Lafayette School District
---
Partial list. Titles for identification purposes only.