Every Student. Every Potential

Christiaan VandenHeuvel

Why Vote for Christiaan?

Married for 27 years to
a Special Ed teacher at
Livermore High School,
Christiaan recognizes
the importance of
family and community
in the education and
well-being of students
and their loved ones

Christiaan is known for his pragmatic, no-nonsense and empathetic approach to
problem solving. He will bring this attitude to champion innovative teaching
strategies and enable an inclusive environment for all learners and their families.


“I envision a future where every LVJUSD student can achieve their full potential. I
will work tirelessly to make our schools models of excellence, equity, and
innovation.


My campaign is dedicated to building on the positive direction set by the board
over the past years. My priorities include improving education quality through
data-driven best practices, fostering a collaborative board culture that resists
polarization and dehumanization, and ensuring every student can achieve their
fullest potential.


I’ll advocate for more good-faith conversations, resisting radicalization, and
where possible, embracing compromise and pragmatism.

I believe in nuanced communication and decision-making, and I understand that
intelligent people can hold two seemingly opposing ideas simultaneously and still
function effectively.


I plan to advocate for staff needs, collaborate with our unions, and address
important issues like student-to-teacher ratios.”

Two of Christiaan’s Children graduated from Livermore High
School, and his youngest child is a Sophomore at LHS this year.

About Christiaan

Christiaan VandenHeuvel, a dedicated community leader with decades of experience
as pastor and director, is a highly qualified candidate for one of the open seats on the
Livermore Joint Valley Unified School District (LJVUSD) Board of Trustees.

Christiaan is an immigrant who moved to the United States and learned English at age
20, an experience that is sure to bring a diverse perspective and a wealth of
knowledge to the board.

As the spouse of Livermore High School teacher Kristina, the father of a current
student and of two LHS graduates, Christiaan is profoundly invested in the success of
Livermore students.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Boitano Photography

English Learner

Christiaan first set foot in his new home country in
1989, with some book knowledge of English from
his High School years. He worked hard the first few
years to learn to speak English like a native as he
made his adopted country his new home.

The experience of learning a brand new language
has given him tremendous respect for all those in
our community who are working to learn a new
language and culture. He loves to support all the
innovative ways our district aims to educate
children from a variety of backgrounds.


“As a student who struggled with significant learning challenges myself, I would have benefited tremendously from the resources available to LVJUSD students.”


“My wife Kristina is proud to work as a resource teacher at Livermore High School and provides a unique perspective to this vital department.”


“As a parent of a child with an IEP, I deeply understand the needs and challenges for different-learners and I have a heart for programs and resources that help this group.”


Special Education

Values and Pledges

I am proud to have taken the pledge as a School Board Integrity Project candidate, standing firm in my
commitment to integrity, respect, excellence, belonging, and trust. While the Project doesn’t choose
or endorse candidates, they support those of us who share these values as we run to represent our
local students and communities. You can learn more about my pledge and values by visiting my
candidate listing on their website.