Sonja Shaw's Journey from Soccer Mom to Champion for California Families in Education

When the pandemic forced schools to close and parents to stay silent, Sonja Shaw refused to watch from the sidelines. A Chino native and devoted soccer mom, she saw firsthand how policies made far from the classroom hurt children and families. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and a growing movement to put families first in California’s education system.

From Concerned Parent to Local Leader

Sonja Shaw’s journey began simply: as a mother wanting the best for her two daughters. When schools closed and mandates were imposed without parental input, she started attending local school board meetings. What began as a personal mission quickly grew into a broader fight for parental rights.

In 2022, Sonja was elected President of the Chino Valley Unified School Board. Her leadership focused on challenging Sacramento’s extreme policies that sidelined families. She stood firm against mask and vaccine mandates, advocating for transparency and respect for parents’ voices. Her efforts even led to a lawsuit from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, highlighting the tension between local communities and state authorities.

Sonja’s success at the local level proved that families, not politicians, should guide education decisions. Her work inspired countless parents who felt ignored during the pandemic to become active participants in shaping their children’s futures.

The Need for Change in California’s Education System

California faces a critical challenge: only 46.7% of students read at grade level. This statistic reveals a system struggling to meet the needs of its children. The pandemic worsened these issues, with prolonged closures causing learning loss and mental health struggles.

Sonja Shaw believes the solution starts with putting families at the center. She argues that education policies must prioritize student success and rebuild trust by listening to parents. Her campaign for State Superintendent in 2026 aims to transform schools into places where every child can thrive and pursue their dreams.

Key areas Sonja plans to focus on include:

• Restoring in-person learning to prevent further setbacks

• Increasing parental involvement in decision-making

• Supporting mental health resources for students

• Improving literacy programs to raise reading levels

• Ensuring transparency in school policies and mandates

  
  

These goals reflect her commitment to reversing the damage caused by pandemic policies and creating a stronger, more inclusive education system.

A Vision Rooted in Faith and Family

Sonja Shaw’s faith and family values guide her approach to leadership. As a wife and mother, she understands the daily challenges families face. Her campaign emphasizes respect for parents’ rights and the importance of community involvement in schools.

Her story resonates with many California families who want education to reflect their values and priorities. By running for State Superintendent, Sonja aims to bring the same determination and care she showed locally to the entire state.

She believes that education should be a partnership between schools and families, where children’s needs come first. This vision challenges the status quo and offers hope for a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

What Families Can Expect from Sonja Shaw’s Leadership

If elected, Sonja Shaw promises to:

• Put families first by involving parents in policy decisions

• Fight against one-size-fits-all mandates that ignore local needs

• Focus on measurable improvements in student achievement

• Promote safe, welcoming schools that support mental and emotional health

• Build trust between Sacramento and communities through open communication

  
  

Her leadership style is hands-on and grounded in real-world experience. She knows what it means to be a parent navigating the education system and will work tirelessly to make it better for all families.

Moving Forward Together

Sonja Shaw’s journey from soccer mom to education advocate shows how one person’s passion can spark change. Her campaign for California State Superintendent is about more than politics—it’s about restoring hope and opportunity for children across the state.

Families deserve a voice in their children’s education. Sonja’s story reminds us that when parents stand up and lead, they can create a future where schools truly serve every child’s potential.

If you believe in putting families first and want to see real change in California’s schools, Sonja Shaw’s campaign is one to watch. Together, parents and leaders can build an education system that supports every child’s success.