Ashleigh Hopkins for SLVUSD School Board
About Ashleigh
I’m a third-generation resident of the Santa Cruz Mountains, born and raised in Felton. My family’s roots here run deep, and my commitment to this community is personal.
For more than a decade I worked as a legal professional serving indigent criminal defense clients in local and federal courts. That experience reinforced something I already felt strongly: the attention and dedication we give school-aged children has a lasting impact on both the child and the community.
As a mother of two, I know first hand how hard it can be to find a public school environment that stays focused on academics and truly prepares the children to become a well-balanced and well-adjusted young adults. In recent years I have watched many schools expand into areas of children’s lives that I believe should remain the responsibility and decision of the parents. My priority is straightforward: ensure every child has a safe place to learn, and work to remove the distractions that get in the way of strong academic achievement and preparedness.
I am running for Governing Board Member of San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, Trustee Area 4, to help keep that focus where it belongs—on student learning, safety, and the partnership between schools and families.
Key Priorities
1. Move beyond wasteful COVID-era spending and return to a practical, responsible budget that prioritizes our students and community.
2. Protect a safe learning environment for every student.
3. Reduce distractions that pull time and attention away from core learning.
5. Strengthen the partnership between families and the district so decisions can genuinely reflect the parents of our community.
4. Keep the primary focus of our schools on academic achievement, critical thinking, and preparedness for adulthood.
6. Respect the role of parents decisions in guiding their children's development and introduction of personal topics outside the classroom.
I am running for SLVUSD Trustee Area 4 because I believe every child deserves a safe school focused on academic achievement—and that decisions about values and personal development belong first with parents.
As a local business owner, a certified and active member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) serving Felton, and proud member of the Santa Cruz County community; I’m committed to serving others and helping strengthen the community I call home.