The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

More than just a teacher

David Braunstein, the history teacher from D-27, is more than just a teacher here at Carlmont. He is also one of the Council members for the city of Belmont.

A graduate of UCLA and father of three, Braunstein has been on the city council since 2008 and was the mayor in 2009.

He was the former chair of the Economic Development Committee and was instrumental in the renovation of Belmont’s Library.

Currently, he is also a member of Belmont’s City Audit Committee and is also on the city’s Emergency Planning Commission.

“A number of years ago, I was invited to the Belmont Library project, where I took a leadership role. It got my name out there, and I ran for Councilman because the people Belmont were looking for an honest, experienced candidate for our City Council.”

Braunstein graduated with a BA in political science from the University of Los Angeles before he obtained a teaching credential from San Francisco State University.

In 2007, after the completion of the new Belmont Library, he ran for the City Council, and, in 2009, was the mayor of Belmont (in Belmont, the mayor’s office is rotated though the elected council members, rather than having a specific election.)

As mayor, Braunstein oversaw Belmont’s businesses during the height of the financial crisis, the completion of the new preforming-arts building at Carlmont High School, and the implementation of the city’s controversial smoking law, among the toughest in the nation.

As a teacher, Braunstein teaches History and Social Studies in D-27, alongside his wife, Patricia Braunstein.

“I want [my students] to know their responsibilities as citizens and how to get involved, some former students of mine have come back and asked me for connections and help in politics,” Braunstein said.  “When I’m teaching, I use lots of personal experience and examples from my involvement in local politics. It helps them [my students] to learn about their role in society, students can get involved in many ways, such as being a Youth Chair Commissioner or being in student government, just ask your teachers.”

“It starts in little steps,” he added.

David Braunstein is also an AYSO and little league coach for his three children, two of whom attend Fox Elementary School. In 2006, he received an award for his contribution to the new library in Belmont.

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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.
More than just a teacher