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Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent Recognized as Woman of the Year

For immediate release:

Assemblymember Alex Lee recognized Molleen Barnes as Assembly District 24’s Woman of the Year. She is currently the Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent and Principal. 

Barnes, who will be retiring in June, has dedicated over 37 years in education. She started her teaching career as an English Teacher at Fremont Unified School District before becoming Vice Principal. She has also served as a Principal in Brentwood and the Director of Human Resources in Antioch Unified School District. 

“As a lifelong educator, Molly has demonstrated her commitment to students, parents and staff,” said Assemblymember Lee. “From overseeing recovery efforts after the flooding of Sunol Glen School, to standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, Molly has gone above and beyond in her service to her community. It is my honor to recognize her as Assembly District 24’s Woman of the Year.” 

Last year, like many communities in California, Sunol, including Sunol Glen School, was flooded due to the heavy rains. Barnes was on the front lines to safeguard the school. She joined forces with her community, local leaders, and Assemblymember Lee’s office to ensure critical resources were available to protect the school facility.

Barnes worked with state and federal agencies to oversee the flood recovery, and the FEMA application process to ensure the schools’ facilities are preserved. She also oversaw the successful passage of the Sunol Glen Facility Bond to improve the quality of education facilities. 

Barnes has also been a firm ally of LGBTQ+ community members. She stood in strong support of the LGBTQ+ community when the Sunol School Board voted to ban the display of the pride flag on school property. 

“Molly courageously spoke against the board's decision, so that LGBTQ+ students and their families feel welcomed at the school,” said Assemblymember Lee. “I want to thank Molly for her hard work as an educator and her courage to stand with the LGBTQ+ community.”