Mike Maxwell, a Danville resident who has represented Area 4 on the Contra Costa County Board of Education since 2014, is seeking a fourth term. He said he is running unopposed in the 2026 election cycle.
Area 4 includes Blackhawk, Clayton, Danville, San Ramon and parts of Alamo and Concord, according to the county education office’s board information.
Maxwell responded to the Walnut Creek Record candidate questionnaire on Sept. 29. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
Asked why he is seeking another term, Maxwell emphasized listening to students, families and education employees.
“I enjoy representing the students, families and educational staff of Contra Costa County without any hidden agendas or outside influences,” he said.
He said those groups need someone who will listen and act in their interests.
Candidate information
Residence: Danville.
Education: Maxwell listed Diablo Valley College and San Francisco State University in his questionnaire. He earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from San Francisco State in 1987 and graduated from Monte Vista High School in 1981, according to the Antioch Herald’s 2014 candidate profile.
Family: Maxwell identified his wife, Shari, and stepson, Danny, a Navy veteran.
Party affiliation: Maxwell reported no party affiliation. The county board position is nonpartisan.
Family in politics or government: Maxwell said no family member works in politics or government.
Experience and public service
Maxwell has held the Area 4 seat since 2014, according to his questionnaire and Danville San Ramon’s reporting.
He works as a vice president at Choice in Aging, according to the organization’s leadership page. In his questionnaire, he described responsibilities involving facilities, project management, community outreach and fundraising.
His earlier work includes education, YMCA management, San Francisco Giants baseball camp operations and a national accounts role at Waterlogic.
The Antioch Herald reported that he served as leadership/student activities director at Monte Vista High School from 1984 to 1993 and later held membership, program and executive director roles with the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA.
Maxwell served as president of the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club from 1988 to 1989 and was named its Rotarian of the Year in 2002, according to Danville San Ramon.
Youth Homes also identifies him as a member of its board of directors.
Accomplishments
Asked what accomplishments prepare him for another term, Maxwell cited stable budgeting, fundraising for Teacher of the Year recognition and being available to parents and educators.
He said he has helped organize town hall meetings in response to community needs.
Maxwell also highlighted organizing prom and graduation-night activities for Paradise High School students in 2019 after the Camp Fire.
“We brought everything for those two activities, while partnering with CCCOE staff, Rotary, community members, and friends,” he said.
On the issues
Student services and funding: Maxwell identified limited resources as the biggest challenge facing students and schools.
“Providing the services and programs needed with fewer and fewer dollars,” he said.
Balancing priorities: Asked about academic achievement, student mental health, safety and teacher retention, Maxwell emphasized relying on experienced staff and listening to residents.
“With skilled, dedicated professionals that know how to do the job,” he said. “Listen to your community, get help, and do the work.”
Budget and financial pressures: Maxwell said education professionals should have room to carry out their responsibilities without unnecessary outside pressure.
“Let the professionals do their jobs,” he said.
He encouraged people who want to help to ask what they can contribute.
Advice that guides him
“Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Maxwell said.
This profile draws primarily on Mike Maxwell’s responses to the Walnut Creek Record candidate questionnaire, with additional information from official records, nonprofit organizations and published reporting. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain his wording.
