A Voice For All
“Jamela works hard and gets the job done. She is very helpful and if something is not right, she will take a stand with no fear.” -Samir Arora
Empowering, parents, teachers and students by bringing all voices to the table.
A Message from Jamela…
I have the spirit of service. I am running for school board trustee in Ward 1 to serve you and your family. Ward 1 includes Hercules, Pinole, and a part of Richmond. I know what teachers, students, and parents need to have a successful school experience. It is my commitment and dedication to the desired outcome of success that makes me the best choice for school board trustee. Equity, sustainability and building capacity in policies and programs that have embedded measurements for growth are the changes I will bring to the school board.
Teacher
I am a graduate of Auburn University with a double major in English and History and a credential to teach. I have been in the field of education for over 15 years. I began my teaching career in 2000. I taught at Auburn High School in Auburn, Alabama. Teaching in Alabama reinforced that teaching is a community job. My first teaching job in California was at Gompers Continuation High School in Richmond, California. I credit Gompers with teaching me that delivering information is the least that a teacher does. A teacher is charged and obligated to create and maintain trusting relationships with parents and students. Recently, I taught at Hercules High School as the Leadership Teacher and Activity Director. As a veteran teacher, I understand that the voice of the teacher, student, and parent must be at the decision making table. Making policy without these voices, bears no fruit. I am the voice for all.
Supporting and Serving the Community
My service extends far beyond what I did as a teacher to the larger community. I have a history of volunteering inside and outside the school community. I understand that educating the whole child happens within the broader context of the community. Serving with the whole child in mind ensures students have the necessary support to become the best versions of themselves. Service is my oxygen. I will always find a way to serve.
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) member
EBWPA (East Bay Women’s Political Alliance) member
BWOPA (Black Women Organization for Political action) member
HEF (Hercules Education Foundation) board member
BEN (Black Educator Network) current past president
Hercules Middle and High School APPAC (African American Parent Advisory Council) Lead
PHREED (Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo, El Sobrante, for equity and diversity) member
Hercules Democratic Club member
HARPP (Hercules Against Racism in Practice and Policing) founding member
PEACH (Parents for the Educational Advancement Community of Hercules) founding member
Middle School Assistant coach for volleyball, girl’s basketball, and soccer
Hercules Middle School Mafanikio Black History teacher
BSU (Black Student Union) Teacher advisor 2019-2020
Hercules Middle School SSC (School Site Council) member
Hercules High School SSC (School Site Council) member
BPREP (Black Parents Raising Exceptional People) support group member
Hercules Middle School PTO member
Hercules High School PTO member
Hercules High School EOS (Equal Opportunity School) Coordinator 2019-2020
Hercules Middle School Climate Team member
Hercules Middle School ASL (American Sign Language) club mom
Class of 2023 Class Mom
Hercules Middle School Geography Club mom
Hercules Middle School Gardening Club mom
Hercules High School Garden Committee member
Hercules Middle School Library Club mom
Hercules Middle School Maker mom
Coach Parks
“ [Jamela is a] true advocate for our children district wide. She is in my opinion a great choice for School Board Trustee. You can count on her support to ensure transparency and accountability. A very fair and trustworthy leader that will help the board get the job done. She is a great leader, motivator, and consummate team player. When it comes to making a choice, there is only once choice, Jamela Smith-Folds is your choice!”
— Coach Roberts Parks (19 year veteran teacher with Hercules Middle and Hercules High School)
