All four candidates for Cypress School Board shared thoughts on which programs deserve more funding, AI, cellphones, and more

The Cypress School District Board of Trustees has two seats on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot. There are contests for Trustee Area A, which includes Luther Elementary and King Elementary, and Trustee Area E, which includes Vessels Elementary. In both races, incumbents are facing challengers endorsed by the teachers union.

The board governs six elementary schools and serves roughly 3,400 students in Cypress and La Palma. Anna Silavs has been superintendent of the district since 2015, according to her LinkedIn page.

The school board has been through some changes in 2024. Two trustees resigned from their positions this year. In March, Brian Nakamura stepped down from his seat representing Trustee Area A. Carrie Hayashida was appointed to fill out his term. As you’ll see below, she is running in the November 2024 election to retain the seat. In September, the board voted to appoint Meghna Parikh as the new interim representative of Trustee Area C, following the resignation of former Trustee Sandra Lee in August.

A Closer Look at the Candidates

This is your chance to learn more about the people hoping to be elected to govern your local schools. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order. You can find links to their official candidate statements, campaign websites, and social media accounts.

But the most important information is in their responses to the Spotlight Schools Candidate Questionnaire. Over the last several weeks, Spotlight Schools emailed the same seven questions to all of the candidates. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 125 words per question.

Is there a question you want the candidates to answer that we didn't ask? Email us your thoughts at hello@spotlightschools.com.

Who is Running for the Cypress School Board?

Trustee Area A

Carrie Hayashida

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media / Candidate Forum

1. What are three programs in your district that you would like to see get more funding?  

The 3 areas are: field trips and transportation, special education, and STEAM.  CSD is fortunate to have numerous field trip destinations nearby.  Funding for field trips and transportation often falls on the school and their PTA.  Additional funding would offset those expenses, allowing for more trips.  Since Special Education programs require more assistance, additional funding would support expanding programs and hiring support staff as necessary.  Lastly, funding STEAM programs at every school, which includes more curriculum and partnering with the Junior and Senior High Schools.  This will allow students to know what they have to look forward to when they promote.  It gives students the opportunity to interact, mentor, and learn which will reduce the anxiety of the unknown typically associated with changing schools.

2. What is your message to district parents about your candidacy?

It was an honor to be unanimously appointed as Trustee Area A in May. Since then, I have represented the Board at community & school functions, met with District Management, learned about District operations and infrastructure, and visited our schools.  As a 30-year resident and parent I volunteered and chaperoned numerous events in each grade K-12, band, athletics, and served on the WJHS Site Council.  I look forward to serving Cypress and La Palma families, specifically developing new opportunities with the Junior & Senior high schools.  When elected, I will work to ensure our kids continue to have great teachers, receive quality instruction, and experience more opportunities to succeed in life. Let me make a positive impact on the district, the schools, and on our kids’ education.  

3. What do you want the students in your school district to know about your candidacy?

I want the CSD students to know my goal is for them to have the best experience as they learn and make friends. They should also know that I am working to build a bigger bridge for them to get acquainted with their future junior and senior high school. Lastly, I am a career strategist and always looking for opportunities to share. I want them to become lifelong learners because new experiences can lead to a hobby, career, or just meeting new friends.  

4. There is heightened debate about students using personal cellphones during the school day. Do you think cellphones should be allowed on campuses or banned?

From my observation, the cellphone is more of an issue at the secondary (i.e., junior and senior high) level.  Initially they were allowed to access technology, but studies show phones can be distracting.  This is also counterproductive during time meant for learning.  However, parents and students are reassured that should a natural disaster or school lock down occur they can contact their child. At the CSD I believe many students have cellphones in their backpacks, but the rules in conjunction with everyone’s understanding that phones are to remain off and kept in backpacks while on campus should be adequate. Thus eliminating issues. 

5. How teachers and students utilize Artificial Intelligence in education is also being debated. What is your view about the role of AI in your school district?

Thankfully, CSD is an elementary school district, which makes it easier to address with younger students.  Hopefully they do not know much about AI because then we have the opportunity to teach them how to use it responsibly and to understand the dangers of relying on it too much. Personally, I choose not to use AI in writing or academics because students may tend to use it like the red “easy” button.  

There is, however, a unique opportunity to show the opportunities of using AI constructively within STEM for example to enhance mobility options or communication aids.  This is how I would like to see AI used in CSD.  

6. School districts across Orange County are dealing with declining enrollment, with some even being forced to close campuses. What are your ideas to deal with this ongoing issue?

CSD is a destination school district. One parent shared she never heard of Cypress until searching for schools to enroll her kids.  People love the small town feel Cypress and La Palma offer.  It makes moving away difficult, so there typically are few homes for sale. As the cities build homes, the Board/District should discuss with City Management building in areas that benefit everyone, even if it isn’t easy.  At my first board meeting as Trustee one teacher publicly commented about combo classes, which is another byproduct of enrollment. One bonus is our new state funded preschool, which already expanded to a second school. This is one way to increase enrollment and I look forward to researching other options that will be wins for everyone.   

7. Tell us about an endorsement that you think best illustrates what your campaign stands for.  

The endorsement that best illustrates my campaign is the people. Parents who knew me when our kids were in school that have shown their support. Community members asking for lawn signs or wishing they could vote for me, but are outside Area A. It’s the people I meet walking who like my vision to build a bridge between elementary and  junior/senior high.  It’s the commonality of being a Luther parent and knowing Area A is unique because we (King too) feed Walker and Kennedy, unlike the other elementary schools that feed Lexington and Cypress.  It is the excitement that’s building about the next four years! It’s wanting to make a difference not only for Area A, but for all Cypress School District schools. 

Steve Shanahan

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media / Candidate Forum

1. What are three programs in your district that you would like to see get more funding? 

Arts, Science and mental wellness.

2. What is your message to district parents about your candidacy?

I am a father with 2 young kids at Luther Elementary.  I have 8 years of experience working in local La Palma government and I own a small business. These 3 pillars are vital to help guide the next 4 years for our district as we face budget challenges.

3. What do you want the students in your school district to know about your candidacy? 

I remember what it was like to be in school. I have a heart for those that struggle with reading and math so when I hear about kids having challenges I have empathy for them.  I guess I would want them to know that I understand what they are going through and they have an ally on the school board.

4. There is heightened debate about students using personal cellphones during the school day. Do you think cellphones should be allowed on campuses or banned? 

That’s a tough question. On one hand, they are a distraction to the students especially with social media and bullying so they should be somewhat moderated.  On the other hand, it’s a communication device with their parents.  I think a larger discussion should be had.

5. How teachers and students utilize Artificial Intelligence in education is also being debated. What is your view about the role of AI in your school district? 

Just like the internet, AI is a tool.  It’s a tool in the infancy stage so we should regulate or moderate how much it’s used and see if it becomes useful and effective or a distraction.

6. School districts across Orange County are dealing with declining enrollment, with some even being forced to close campuses. What are your ideas to deal with this ongoing issue? 

One has to ask the question, why? Why is there declining enrollment?  Are we losing kids to charter or private schools?  We need to get to the root issue of why before we can deal with the issue but then create a long-term solution.

7. Tell us about an endorsement that you think best illustrates what your campaign stands for. 

I am honored to be endorsed by council members, school board members and community volunteers but the Association of Cypress Teachers is probably my proudest endorsement.  Teachers are the front line for education and the silver bullet to our kids' success. The fact that they trust me to help lead the school board is an honor. 

Trustee Area E

Candi Kern

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media / Candidate Forum

1. What are three programs in your district that you would like to see get more funding?

Funding all of our worthy programs can be a challenge. The three that first come to mind are: 1) Social Emotional Learning. Many stressors impact our students’ wellbeing. It is vital that our students receive the necessary supports to feel safe, secure, and confident in who they are so that they can be ready to learn. 2) Electric Vehicles. Our district is committed to taking steps to minimize our environmental impact. Transitioning to an electric fleet will be a costly endeavor. 3) Biliteracy and multiliteracy. Our district is in the early stages of considering implementation of a dual language immersion program. As a former bilingual educator, I highly value multilingualism as an increasingly necessary skill in our modern world. 

2. What is your message to district parents about your candidacy?

I care deeply about the success of your children. Success for me means not only in academics, but also that the whole child is well served. I want to ensure that our students build strong senses of self and their valuable role in the world. As an elementary district, we will make sure that your children are well prepared for junior high school and beyond. I am committed to providing access to a well-rounded curriculum with rigorous and engaging coursework. We will get to know your children and provide them all of the personalized attention and support that they deserve. My experiences as an educator, PTA leader, and 12 years as a trustee have afforded me the tools necessary to help make these things happen. 

3. What do you want the students in your school district to know about your candidacy?

I hope you love school! Our teachers, and every other adult on campus, are so happy you are there. You are what makes our school special. You bring something unique and important to our campus, because you’re you! Whether you're good at math, music, writing, art… or whatever your talents are… your contribution matters to our school and to our world. I hope you have at least one very special friend at school. Your friends and the adults who care about you will help you not only have more fun at school, but you’ll actually learn more too! Always remember that the adults on your campus care about you and they are here to make sure you have a successful elementary school career. 

4. There is heightened debate about students using personal cellphones during the school day. Do you think cellphones should be allowed on campuses or banned?

It is important to minimize any distraction to our students’ education during school hours, especially one that could be harmful to them. As an elementary school district, our students are less apt to have issues with cell phone and social media use during school hours than their secondary level peers. That said, our school district has policies and practices in place that limit the student use of cell phones. They are not to be used during instructional time unless directed by a staff member. School districts must continually monitor this situation and be responsive to the needs of students to protect their wellbeing. 

5. How teachers and students utilize Artificial Intelligence in education is also being debated. What is your view about the role of AI in your school district?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology with many benefits and challenges. Our district is just beginning to explore how our teachers, staff, and students can utilize this powerful tool to improve work conditions for adults and equally importantly to improve learning outcomes for students. However, there are concerns that accompany such a potent platform. Among the biggest challenges is establishing policies in this quickly evolving area of technology. It is incumbent upon district leaders to become educated on the capabilities of AI in order to formulate practices to protect students while embracing the positive change AI can bring. AI is here. We must equip our students to be able to recognize its benefits and downfalls, and to utilize it in an ethical way. 

6. School districts across Orange County are dealing with declining enrollment, with some even being forced to close campuses. What are your ideas to deal with this ongoing issue?

Our district has been ahead of the curve with regard to addressing declining enrollment. When the trend first began to emerge, the board at that time made the excruciatingly difficult decision to close schools. We are currently right-sized for the number of students we have.  We have also maintained school properties that could be reopened should the trend turn around and we need to house more students. In the meantime, we have managed those assets to provide local revenue to support programs. We reduce expenses where prudent, and we carefully staff our schools to align with enrollment. We also continue to strengthen our signature programs, including music, STEM, and hopefully in the not too distant future dual language, which will attract students to our district. 

7. Tell us about an endorsement that you think best  illustrates what your campaign stands for.

I am humbled to have garnered the support of many influential people in our community. As a resident for 30 years, and as a trustee for 12 years, I have many strong relationships throughout the district. I am not necessarily proud of any singular endorsement. I do not value one over the other. I value the deep connections I have throughout our community with a wide variety of groups. My supporters come from all age groups, cultural groups, and political perspectives. I consider myself a well-rounded candidate with broad appeal. I attribute that to my level-headedness and my willingness to see all sides of an issue. I believe my varied support reflects my commitment to putting what’s best for students over all else.

Jaime Needham

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media / Candidate Forum

1. What are three programs in your district that you would like to see get more funding?

I would like to see additional funds allocated to three main categories: 

1. After school programming that compensates our teachers and staff for their leadership in these initiatives.  

2.  Modernization of schools including enhancing mental health support and implementing updated security measures.  

3.  Strengthened emphasis on STEAM education, particularly by integrating engineering into the curriculum.  

These efforts will foster a more supportive and innovative learning environment, ultimately benefiting our students and community.

2. What is your message to district parents about your candidacy?

I am a parent of two young children who attend a school in the Cypress School District, specifically within Zone E, where I am running for trustee.  I am also a teacher and have been for nearly twenty years.  I am proud to represent Vessels as the PTA Volunteer chair, Harvest Night Committee member, and room parent for both of my children.  My consistent presence on campus and commitment to the Cypress School District is one reason why I am the only candidate in my zone supported by the Association of Cypress Teachers and members of the Vessels PTA.  Parents, teachers, and families deserve open communication and to be represented by someone who is present in the school district.  I kindly ask for your vote.

3. What do you want the students in your school district to know about your candidacy?

I am frequently on campus and my children actively participate in Cypress sports events and city activities. This level of involvement has allowed me to connect with parents, teachers, and students alike, and it has earned me the support of the Association of Cypress Teachers and the Vessels PTA—an endorsement that no other candidate in my zone can claim.  As a parent of two children who experience the same daily challenges and joys as many of you, I understand the importance of creating a nurturing and enriching environment for all students. I am dedicated to advocating for policies and programs that prioritize your well-being and academic success.

4. There is heightened debate about students using personal cell phones during the school day. Do you think cell phones should be allowed on campuses or banned?

The debate over cellphone use in schools is complex. While personal cellphones can provide valuable educational resources and facilitate communication, they can also be distracting and lead to disengagement.  A balanced approach could be beneficial. Allowing students to have their phones on campus, but implementing guidelines for their use during instructional time, may help minimize distractions. For example, phones could be kept in backpacks during class. but used for parent communication after school.  Policies must be communicated to students clearly and consequences for misuse must be outlined.  Ultimately, it's important to involve parents, teachers, and students in discussions to create policies that support a focused learning environment while recognizing the role of technology in students' lives.

5. How teachers and students utilize Artificial Intelligence in education is also being debated. What is your view about the role of AI in your school district?

Artificial Intelligence holds significant potential to enhance teaching and learning. It can personalize education by allowing educators to tailor instruction to individual student needs, identify learning gaps, and provide targeted resources. AI also streamlines administrative tasks, enabling teachers to focus more on student engagement. For students, AI-driven tools can deliver interactive experiences and instant feedback, deepening their understanding of the material. However, it’s crucial to implement AI thoughtfully. We must ensure that both students and teachers are equipped with the skills to use these technologies responsibly. Ongoing training and ethical considerations should guide our integration of AI in the classroom to maximize its benefits while addressing any challenges.

6. School districts across Orange County are dealing with declining enrollment, with some even being forced to close campuses. What are your ideas to deal with this ongoing issue?

To address declining enrollment, we need a multifaceted approach:

Community Engagement: Actively engage with families and the community to understand their needs and concerns. Hosting forums and surveys can provide valuable insights into what families seek in education.

Enhanced Programs: Develop and promote innovative academic and extracurricular programs that attract students, such as specialized STEAM courses, vocational training, and after-school activities that align with student interests.

Marketing and Outreach: Implement a robust marketing strategy to highlight the unique strengths of our schools. This could include social media campaigns, open houses, and partnerships with local organizations to raise awareness about our offerings.

Support for Families: Provide resources and support for families, including mental health services, academic counseling, and assistance with transitions to foster a welcoming environment.

7. Tell us about an endorsement that you think best  illustrates what your campaign stands for.

An endorsement that truly illustrates what my campaign stands for is the support I’ve received from the Association of Cypress Teachers (ACT). This endorsement highlights my commitment to prioritizing educators’ voices and fostering collaboration between teachers and administration. It reflects my dedication to advocating for the resources and support teachers need to succeed in the classroom, ultimately benefiting our students. By partnering with the teacher's union, I aim to create a stronger educational environment where innovative teaching practices can flourish and every student receives the quality education they deserve. This endorsement not only underscores my focus on education but also emphasizes the importance of community and teamwork in achieving our shared goals.