Anne Campbell, the superintendent of the Portola Valley School District, announced her plans to run for the post of San Mateo County superintendent of schools in 2010. Ms. Campbell was named "superintendent of the year" for her region in 2008 by the Association of California School Administrators, and has spent her 35-year career in public education.

Ms. Campbell's candidacy has been endorsed by Superintendent of Schools Jean Holbrook, who announced in a Nov. 16 statement that she will retire in January 2011, ending her single term in office that began with her election in 2007.

"Together we continue to make a difference in the lives of the young people of San Mateo County," Ms. Holbrook said. "I look forward with enthusiasm to another year of service to the community as county superintendent."

Ms. Campbell said her priorities include championing school finance reform, closing the achievement gap and ensuring that all children arrive in kindergarten prepared to thrive.

"I look forward to sharing my views on public education with the voters of San Mateo County over the coming months, and I welcome the chance to listen to their hopes and dreams for our public schools," Ms. Campbell said in a statement.