Stephen Cochrane, Ph.D., Esq.

Experienced Leadership. Independent Judgment. 

A Commitment to Our Children.

Stephen Cochrane, Ph.D., Esq., brings a rare combination of classroom experience, educational leadership, legal expertise, and firsthand school board experience to the Del Mar Union School District.

With 30 years of combined experience in education and leadership, Stephen has served as a classroom teacher, university professor, university administrator, education law attorney, and previously as an elected Trustee of the Del Mar Union School District.

Stephen began his career as a public-school special education teacher before spending 21 years as a university professor. During 16 years in university administration, he directed teacher education programs, supervised faculty across multiple campuses, and helped prepare the next generation of California educators. His leadership responsibilities included curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, regulatory compliance, and oversight of programs serving approximately 1,200 students annually.

Stephen holds a Ph.D. in Education (Summa Cum Laude), a J.D. (Magna Cum Laude- 3rd in law school class), an M.A. in Special Education (Magna Cum Laude), and a B.A. in Literature. He holds three California teaching credentials, a California Administrative Services Credential, and is an active member of the State Bar of California. As an education law attorney, he has represented families and students in matters involving special education and educational rights.  Further, he earned certificates in Business, Leadership, and Finance from Cornell University.  

Stephen also understands school governance from the inside. As a former Del Mar Union School District Trustee, he has already had the privilege of serving the families of our community. His broader public education service has included leadership with the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education, service as an elected delegate to the California School Boards Association, and participation on education advisory bodies.

But credentials alone do not make an effective school board member.

Stephen is running because he believes excellent schools require more than high test scores and strong finances. They require leadership that listens. Parents should be heard. Teachers should be respected. Administrators should be accountable. Taxpayer dollars should be carefully protected. And major decisions affecting our children should be made openly, collaboratively, and with independent judgment.

Stephen wants to help move DMUSD away from top-down decision-making and toward a culture in which differing viewpoints are welcomed, difficult questions can be asked, and the Board serves as an independent representative of the community.

Del Mar is fortunate to have exceptional schools. Stephen is running to help protect what makes them exceptional while ensuring that every decision begins with a simple question:

What is best for our children?