Jackie C. Perl, Board Clerk
Trustee Area 2
Term Date: 2022-2026
Jacqueline Calderón Perl is the proud daughter of immigrants, raised in poverty by a single Latina mother. In the face of adversity, public education was her lifeline. Thanks to the guidance and support of many committed and compassionate educators, Jackie was able to navigate a range of public school experiences and secure admission to several of California’s top public universities.
During her undergraduate years, Jackie spent her extra-curricular hours supporting at-promise youth, who like her, would become the first in their families to attend and graduate from college. After college, Jackie began her career as a Spanish bilingual teacher at an East Oakland public elementary school. She later coached and supported educators as a Teacher on Special Assignment, Vice-Principal, and ultimately, Principal of the school where she began her teaching career.
Frustrated by systemic challenges impacting schools and communities, she pivoted to public policy. As Director at a collective impact organization, Jackie convened public officials and local changemakers to improve life outcomes from cradle to career, spearheading new investments in teacher supports, violence prevention, and mental health programming. She then became District Director for Assemblymember Mia Bonta, advocating for residents of San Leandro, Oakland, and Alameda in the California State Legislature.
As Area 2 Trustee and mother of two current and one future SLUSD student, Jackie is committed to ensuring that 1) students receive rigorous, inspiring, relevant education, 2) educators are empowered and supported, and 3) parents and community are valued and engaged as partners.
Jackie is a proud product of California public schools, including a Bachelor’s from UC Santa Barbara and Master’s in Public Policy from UC Berkeley, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Upward Roots, an education not-for-profit.