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.

Eaton Family
Dana Eaton sitting with children
Association of California School Administrators Award (1500 x 500 px) (500 x 800 px) (3)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ensure Safe and Supportive Schools

Prioritize school safety, civil discourse, and social-emotional learning as the foundation for effective teaching and learning.

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Support Student Mental Health

Expand access to counseling, wellness initiatives, and community partnerships that address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.

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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.

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Empower Families and Student Voice

Strengthen partnerships with parents, students, and communities to ensure shared leadership and responsive educational programs.

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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

Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools

Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools

“Dana is a highly experienced, well-respected superintendent here in Contra Costa County. He is deeply committed to public education, understands the role of the County Office, and brings steady, student-centered leadership.”

Shannon Morton, Former Brentwood Union School District Teacher of the Year

Shannon Morton, Former Brentwood Union School District Teacher of the Year

“As a former teacher in the Brentwood Union School District for over 20 years, I proudly endorse Dana Eaton for the office of the County Superintendent of Schools for Contra Costa County. He is not only highly qualified and has demonstrated the necessary leadership skills required for this incredibly complex job, but he is also one of the most caring and upstanding human beings I have ever known, who strives for the best for the students and staff in his district, as both an educator and a father. When Dr. Eaton walked into my classroom for one of his many visits, I knew he was there to celebrate my students’ successes and to stand by my side as a fellow teacher, without ceremony or grandeur, more as a special member of our classroom community that students could approach with comfort and excitement about their learning. I look forward to seeing him bring that unique relatability and effectiveness to the Contra Costa County Office of Education.”

Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent Mt. Diablo Unified School District

“I am thrilled to endorse Dr. Dana Eaton for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools.  Having observed his leadership firsthand for more than two decades, I know his commitment to students and staff is unmatched.  Dana’s personal approach and proven track record make him the ideal choice for County Superintendent.”

Marie Morgan, Superintendent Walnut Creek

Marie Morgan, Superintendent Walnut Creek

"It is with great pleasure and full confidence that I endorse Dana Eaton for Contra Costa County Superintendent. Dana possesses the clear vision and extensive experience necessary to guide our county's educational landscape into a brighter future. His inspiring commitment to innovation and student success is a testament to his dedication. Dana is a highly collaborative leader, adept at bringing together families, educators, and community members to forge stronger schools for every child. He demonstrates a deep understanding of our communities' unique needs, coupled with a profound passion for education that is truly compelling. Dana Eaton is unequivocally the perfect choice to lead Contra Costa County's educational endeavors."

Emil J. Geddes, School Board Member over 20 Years, Brentwood Union School District

Emil J. Geddes, School Board Member over 20 Years, Brentwood Union School District

“Dr. Eaton consistently provides leadership that demonstrates fairness, respect, broad-based administration and education views that represent children first. Dana Eaton’s 30 years as a teacher, administrator including 17 years a Superintendent, combined with a lifetime community services background and work-personal ethics practices exemplify: He is qualified and your obvious choice for Contra Consta County Superintendent of Education.”

Dr. John Nickerson, Superintendent, Acalanes High School District

Dr. John Nickerson, Superintendent, Acalanes High School District

“I am incredibly excited to endorse Dana Eaton for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools because his inspirational and impactful leadership will support all County public schools. I truly cannot think of another educational leader with greater vision, integrity, and clear commitment to serving all students.”

C.J. Cammack, Superintendent San Ramon Valley Unified School District

C.J. Cammack, Superintendent San Ramon Valley Unified School District

"Dana Eaton is exactly the leader our county needs. With years of proven experience as a Superintendent, he brings a combination of high character and a relentless focus on student success. I have seen firsthand his genuine care for his team and his community. He has my full support."

Johnny Rodriguez, Founder One Day at a Time, former Board Member and Brentwood City Council Member

Johnny Rodriguez, Founder One Day at a Time, former Board Member and Brentwood City Council Member

"It is both a privilege and an honor to endorse Dr. Dana Eaton as a candidate for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. As a long-time resident of far East Contra Costa County and a dedicated leader in the region, I have had the opportunity to serve in various roles over the past three decades including as a community organizer, former school board member, city council member, and vice mayor of the City of Brentwood. Throughout my experiences, I have witnessed firsthand the exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment Dr. Eaton has shown to our community."

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

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Partial list. Titles for identification purposes only.

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