Peralta Community College DistrictCandidate for Trustee, Area 5

Dr. Saleem Gilmore is an innovative higher education administrator in Student Affairs, leading student support service programs. Dr. Gilmore's approach to serving college students is grounded in his community-based experience as Executive Director at Leadership Excellence and faculty at Holy Names University, University of San Francisco, and California State University, East Bay. Saleem can lead teachers and staff to support positive academic and social outcomes for underserved students.

He graduated from Sonoma State University, earning his bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Biology before receiving his Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Secondary Education from the University of San Francisco. Most recently, Saleem earned his doctorate from CSU East Bay. Saleem is a husband and father of three.

As an Alumnus of the Peralta Community College system and an experienced faculty member, I am committed to small class sizes, quality instruction, and stringent fiscal oversight. Through regular engagement, I will ensure that my vision and goals align with the goals and needs of union representatives, faculty, staff, and students. I have led decision-making bodies, including chairing the Personnel Commission of Alameda County Office of Education and the Bond Oversight Committee Oakland Schools before terming out in 2022.

I want to use my experience and commitment to public service to improve student, faculty, and staff outcomes at Peralta College. I grew up in a union family.  I saw a positive difference that worker protections made in my grandparents' and parents' quality of life.  Peralta Colleges are uniquely situated to be a hub for education in the Bay Area. COVID has provided the opportunity to innovate and bring Peralta Colleges to world-class status as a pipeline for diverse, well-prepared scholars.  I have worked as a faculty, administrator, and commissioner/ committee member on decision-making bodies in the Bay Area. I am running for Peralta Community College Board to be a voice for faculty, staff, and students and to hold the system accountable for the opportunities that can come out of the crisis of COVID.

In summary, my focus as a Trustee will be to increase course offerings by leading the effort to hire a permanent Chancellor and administrative team that participates in the shared governance process to ensure that the leadership team is committed to responsible budget oversight and the success of our students. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership for Social Justice. I will be a leading voice for sound fiscal management, including proper application of facility bond funds, small class sizes, and quality instruction.