Strong Schools. Smart Stewardship. Student Success.
Katherine Shelton is a third-generation Napa resident, parent of two current NVUSD students, and experienced financial professional running for School Board Trustee Area 3. With over a decade in commercial banking and agricultural finance, she brings fiscal expertise to the board.
Third-generation Napa resident with deep community roots
Katherine Shelton is a proud parent of two NVUSD students and an experienced financial professional committed to serving the community she has always called home.
Her family's connection to education spans generations. Katherine's grandfather, Paul Ash, served as Dean of Napa Valley College from 1971-1984, helping shape educational opportunities for thousands of students. Today, the lobby of Napa Valley College's Performing Arts Center bears his name in recognition of his service to the community.
A graduate of Napa High School, Katherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She also studied at the University of Cambridge through the Pembroke-King's College International Programme.
10+ years in banking and agricultural finance
For more than a decade, Katherine has built a career in commercial banking and agricultural finance. She began with Bank of America before spending 10 years at First Republic Bank, where she specialized in commercial lending for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, commercial real estate, private equity, telecommunications, and the wine industry.
She later served as a Relationship Manager for the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation before joining American AgCredit, where she specializes in California agriculture and food production.
Throughout her career, Katherine has been responsible for evaluating complex budgets, financial risk, and long-term planning—experience directly applicable to helping oversee one of the district's most important responsibilities: the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Ready to serve students, families, and the community with integrity
As the parent of two children in NVUSD, Katherine understands both the opportunities and the challenges facing today's students and families. She believes every child deserves a safe, supportive, and high-quality education and is committed to transparent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful decision-making that puts students first.
Inspired by her family's legacy of public service, Katherine is running for the NVUSD Board of Education to help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed and every family has confidence in the future of our schools.
Katherine is committed to:
Every child learns differently. Our schools should provide strong academic instruction while ensuring students have access to the support they need to thrive. Katherine will work to foster safe, engaging learning environments where every student can reach their full potential.
Strong schools require strong financial stewardship. As an experienced finance professional, Katherine understands the importance of thoughtful planning and responsible decision-making with taxpayer dollars. She will advocate for transparent budgeting and sustainable financial planning that protects classroom learning.
The success of our students begins with dedicated educators, administrators, and staff. Katherine believes in listening to those closest to our classrooms and supporting efforts to recruit, retain, and empower outstanding employees throughout the district.
The Board of Education works best when families, educators, students, and community members feel heard. Katherine will prioritize open communication, respectful dialogue, and thoughtful decision-making that reflects the diverse voices of our community.
Help us knock on doors, spread the word, host a yard sign, and attend our community events.
Share Katherine's message with your friends, family, and neighbors on social media.