LAUSD 2024 trustee election: Introducing school board candidates to Griffins
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — In 2020, Los Alamitos Unifed School District was divided into five different sectors in accordance with a new law from California. This law highly recommended dividing California districts into different sectors and electing trustees in charge of those areas as an alternative to electing five board members. Dividing the district into areas was done to ensure that every voice in the community was heard.
Trustees are elected for a four year term, with 2024 trustee candidates spending the last year campaigning for office. Residents that live within LAUSD will be able to vote for the truste running for the trustee area they live in. Being a trustee is an elected volunteer position.
Farnaz Pardasani and Dr. L. Bobby Papoulias are running for Trustee Area Four. This includes Old Ranch, Old Town Seach Beach and College Park East. Matt Bragman and Perla Mendoza are running for Area Five: College Park West and Seal Beach. All trustee candidates were asked questions regarding recent laws for a cell phone ban in California schools, mental health, their previous experience with education and their intended policy.
Farnaz Pardasani is a mom of three children in the elementary, middle and high school level at LAUSD. Pardasani has been involved with the district over the last 15 years working with the Los Alamitos Education Foundation, School Site Council and Parent Teacher Association president.
“I feel like it’s been an organic evolution to step into this role, a national progression of everything I’ve done over the last decade in terms of this district,” Pardasani said.
Pardasani would like to look at different tools schools use across the district to be successful and ensure that these “best practices” are implemented in all LAUSD schools at the same level. This way, she hopes to improve the standard of education across the district. This corresponds with her campaign slogan of “Raising the Bar.”
Pardasani was a part of bringing the WellSpace to LAUSD as a part of her work with LAEF. She would like to improve these spaces by consulting students through surveys and adding workshops to make the Wellspace more effective as well as adding more guest speakers.
Pardasani would like to maintain that phones are off and out of sight during class time. She would also like to provide clearer rules for teachers and students to help manage cell phones.
Pardasani comes from a business background, working with large companies such as IBM to help her to understand the business perspective of the school board, such as budgeting.
Dr. L. Bobby Papoulias is an area four trustee candidate. He holds a doctorate in education and has nearly 15 years of teaching experience. He currently teaches business at California State University, Fullerton. His wife is a substitute teacher at LAUSD, and he has three children, two of whom currently attend LAUSD schools.
“With my combined experience in teaching, business and a family deeply rooted in education, I am uniquely positioned to serve as a school board trustee,” Dr. Papoulias said.
Dr. Paoulias would like to ensure that the WellSpaces across campuses are prioritizing not only providing a space for students to relax but also a way for students to learn coping mechanisms to prepare them to better manage their mental health. Before anything new is implemented, he would like to consult research and studies to ensure the effectiveness of programs.
“If we can combine the calming environment of the Wellspaces with workshops or programs that teach coping mechanisms and resilience-building skills, I believe this would be highly beneficial,” he said.
As an approach to the current cell phone policy, Dr. Papolias would like there to be stricter policies in place for the use of cell phones in class and consequences for students who use their phones without permission. He would like to maintain the current rule of allowing high school students to have their phones out during lunch and passing periods to allow for communication.
“This approach would help minimize distractions and encourage students to engage fully in their lessons without placing additional burdens on our already busy teachers,” Dr. Papoulias said.
Matt Bragman is running for Area Five trustee. Bragman has worked closely with education as a past public school principal and a teacher. He is currently an Executive Director of Education Partnerships for Calm Classroom.
“My passion lies in exceeding student outcomes through data-driven strategies, professional development and fostering a culture of excellence,” Bragman said.
Bragman would like the district to guide students into an easy transition into college and equip them with practical life long skills. He would like to better the district by working on developing academics, best instructional practices and social-emotional learning.
“If elected, I will bring this experience to the board to build upon the strong foundation and achievements our district has already established and take us into a future filled with opportunities for growth and progress,“ Bragman said.
Bragman’s work as the Executive Director of Education Partnerships for Calm Classroom can bring an advanced understanding of mental health to classrooms.
“The pressures our students face are significant, but with the support of district leadership and partners like LAEF, we’re taking essential steps to prioritize and support our students’ social and emotional well-being,” Bragman said.
Bragman would like to ensure that phones continue to be turned off and out of sight in a student’s bag if they choose to bring one to school. He believes that the district and administrators should have clear guidelines for the use of cell phones.
“I am committed to fighting relentlessly for the success and well-being of every student. I will work hard to ensure our schools provide a high-quality education that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Together, we can continue making a positive impact on our district’s future,” Bragman said.
The Griffin Gazette put equal effort into reaching out to each candidate individually; unfortunately, the Griffin Gazette was unable to successfully get in touch with Perla Mendoza, an Area Five trustee candidate.
All original statements were modified to allow equitable responses from each candidate.
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