I am thankful that my current work—in my seventh decade of life—has given me a rich opportunity to work with amazing people. I am particularly thankful for the educators, policy makers and community leaders who work tirelessly to promote equity.

It has now been 60 years since the U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark decision to provide education equity for all children. But race and income still too often dictate the quality of the educational experience. These issues apply in our 31 school districts in Santa Clara County.