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Menlo Park City School District board candidate Andrew Barnes on Sept. 17, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray.

Andrew Barnes is the parent of a Laurel School and Hillview graduate and is the chairman of the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee for Measure U. He’s lived in Menlo Park since 2010. He’s one of four candidates for three seats on the Menlo Park City School District that are up for election on the Nov. 3 ballot.

“I’m running for the school board to support our district that shaped my son and so many other students,” said Barnes in an email. “I’ll build on what makes our school district successful and ensure that we remain a district where students, families, and staff have the best opportunity to learn and grow.”

Barnes currently works for the County of Santa Clara’s Facilities and Fleet Department, managing acquisitions and building improvements. He said his professional work requires “requires balancing stakeholder priorities, managing limited budgets, and making difficult decisions about allocating resources.”

Barnes also served on the Menlo Park Planning Commission for eight years and on various city committees and school district advisory groups.

He said he hopes to be able to help the district push forward infrastructure projects funded by Measure U and use his expertise in facilities and real estate to help MPCSD with projects such as the redevelopment of Lower Laurel campus.

In his campaign, Barnes is focused on supporting teachers, programs to maintain strong academics and ensuring students feel safe, supported and seen. He is also prioritizing the district’s future planning by actively engaging with the community and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

For more information visit Barnes’ campaign website barnesforboard2026.com

Head over to our 2026 Election Center to view all of our recent coverage of local issues on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Jennifer Yoshikoshi joined The Almanac in 2024 as an education, Woodside and Portola Valley reporter. Jennifer started her journalism career in college radio and podcasting at UC Santa Barbara, where she...

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