Three of the four candidates for the Los Alamitos School Board share their views on cellphone policies, AI, and declining enrollment

Two incumbents on the Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Education are not seeking reelection, including current Board President Megan Cutuli and Trustee Scott Fayette. That means two seats are up for grabs on the November 5, 2024 ballot, with four newcomers running.

Contests will be held in Trustee Area 4 and Trustee Area 5 for the five-member school board that governs nine campuses in the communities of Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Seal Beach. (Find out which Trustee Area you live in here.)

An election was also scheduled for Trustee Area 2, but only incumbent Chris Forehan filed qualifying paperwork to run. The race will not appear on the ballot and Forehan automatically retains his position.

The winners of the November election will join a Los Alamitos school board that has consistently voted together. While board members express varying points of view, and often engage in respectful dialogue on some topics, more often than not, they vote 5-0. The district has also had a consistent leadership team over the past several years. Last month, the board voted to give Superintendent Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., and his three assistant superintendents contract extensions through June 2028.

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's Running for the Los Alamitos School Board?

Trustee Area 4 - Seal Beach; Old Town and College Park East neighborhoods

L. Bobby Papoulias, Ed.D.

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media

Spotlight Schools reached out multiple times to Dr. Papoulias, but he declined to participate in our Candidate Questionnaire. His response on Sept. 12 via email was: "At this time, I am focusing my time and efforts on my campaign and family all the way up to the election."

Farnaz Pardasani

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media

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

Our priority must be on programs that directly impact students' education and future success. It’s time to recommit to Los Alamitos as the place for the best possible education.

We must aggressively invest in innovative programs, particularly STEM, to prepare students for future jobs. I’ve been advocating for STEM education for the last two years as a parent and LAEF board member.

We need to expand vocational and career technical training for students pursuing non-college pathways.  The 4-year college pathway is not for everyone.

To ensure success across all nine campuses, we must share best practices—what works in one place should be applied district-wide. My experience driving organizational performance with Fortune 100 companies will be a great asset here.

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

"The Trusted Voice" is how many in our community describe me. My message is that I will continue to be your Trusted Voice on the Board.

As a parent of three children across elementary, middle, and high schools, I am best positioned to engage parents and champion solutions aligned with our community’s values.

My decade of volunteering and leading (PTA executive board, PTA President, School Site Council, District Advisory Board) and my role on the LAEF Board, demonstrate my commitment to our district, and more importantly, give me the understanding, network, and credibility to drive meaningful engagement / change.

My professional experience advising Fortune 100 companies on large-scale transformation is crucial for a district facing budget cuts and the need to innovate.

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

I appreciate this question because students and their educational experience are THE reason I’m running for school board. 

I want to be a board member that engages with students frequently and seeks their input regularly on new and existing programs.  

In the business world we say, you can build the best program, but if the stakeholders don’t adopt or buy-in, it’s a failure. We need to view our students as a key stakeholder and find platforms for better, two-way communication.

Given I’m on three different campuses frequently, and carpool three active kids and their friends to and from activities, I tend to seek input from kids organically. My goal is to make this a wider, systematic practice with our students at large.  

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?

As the only candidate with children in elementary, middle, and high schools, I know our current smartphone policies are NOT serving our children. Research is clear: excessive smartphone use harms students’ mental health and academic performance.

While our district has a policy, it is not well understood or consistently applied. I believe our schools should strictly enforce a policy that limits smartphone access during school hours and designates specific and limited times and places for use.

Recently, I conducted a survey of parents / community members on social media which revealed an overwhelming need for change — balanced with access in emergencies.

We must act. I am committed to driving this topic forward.

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 a double-edged sword. It’s crucial for our children to learn AI for future success, which is why I have been advocating for enhanced STEM programming. However, unbounded use of AI risks our children missing out on building critical skills like synthesis, writing, analysis, and critical thinking.

Our district must develop guidelines that ensure AI is used responsibly and effectively, with clear definitions of where and how AI should be integrated. These policies should be adaptable, allowing us to learn and adjust through structured use.

By being proactive, we can harness AI’s benefits while safeguarding educational integrity, ensuring all students and educators are equipped to use these tools effectively.

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?

Declining enrollment is a serious issue across Orange County, driven by factors within and beyond our control. To address what is in our control, we must focus on building the highest quality educational programs to attract students to our campuses. This includes expanding and enhancing our STEM, Arts, Athletics, and Special Education services.

We need a thoughtful strategy that enhances and creates differentiated and superior growth opportunities for Los Alamitos students relative to other options (public schools, private schools, charters, hybrid homeschool programs).  

One way to set our district’s learning experience apart is by partnering with local businesses and universities to offer unique entrepreneurial and internship opportunities for our students, to gain real-world experiences in their areas of interest.  

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

The breadth of endorsements I’ve received reflects my commitment to Raising the Bar for our Kids and my ability to engage stakeholders around this goal. 

• Parents across backgrounds and political ideologies, recognize my focus on exceptional educational experiences.
• Teachers and Administrators, appreciate my productive advocacy for our children.
• Community Leaders, including former Principals, PTA and ‘Friends of’ leaders, value my collaborative approach.
• Real estate Professionals, who know that strong schools enhance our community’s desirability.
• All current School Board Trustees acknowledge the need and enthusiasm for my parental perspective and business acumen.  

These endorsements illustrate why I’m best suited to serve our community. Note: I believe in keeping politics out of our schools and have actively not sought endorsements from partisan officials.

Trustee Area 5 - Seal Beach neighborhoods including McGaugh Elementary

Matt Bragman

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media

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

Increasing funding for college and career readiness programs is essential to supporting students from TK through 12th grade. We must ensure students are equipped early on with the skills needed for success, not only during their time in Los Alamitos Unified School District (LAUSD) but also in college, careers, and life. Additionally, maintaining funding for Challenge Success is crucial, as it focuses on research-based, equity-centered strategies to enhance student well-being, engagement, and belonging. This program plays a vital role in preparing students for success in school, work, and personal life. Lastly, I advocate for increased funding for programs that support the whole child, including STEM and the arts, which are critical for a well-rounded education across our district.

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

I have devoted my career to education, working as a public school principal, teacher, and non-profit leader supporting schools. 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. My goal is to ensure that LAUSD continues to serve the needs of our students, parents, staff, and the community. 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. 

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

As a board member, I will make sure students are at the heart of every decision we make as a district. Throughout my career, I have been committed to serving students and school communities, always prioritizing student safety and success both in and out of the classroom. This is the foundation for everything we do in schools. While our role as board members is to serve and represent all stakeholders, the true measure of our success is ensuring every student across our district has access to the best education possible—one that meets your individual needs. I will fight to create opportunities that help you thrive, pursue your passions, and build a bright future. Your success is my top priority.

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?

Technology and cellphones have increasingly become a regular part of students' daily lives, making it crucial to teach responsible usage both at home and in school. When used properly, smartphones can aid students in their educational and career pursuits. Device access should be restricted during learning time to prevent distractions. Phones should be off and out of sight in the classroom. Additionally, students must be educated on appropriate technology use, including when and how to use phones responsibly and safely, without negatively affecting their social and emotional well-being. While families ultimately decide if a student can have a device, the school district's leadership and schools must create policies that can be enforced consistently across sites, communicate expectations, ensure student’s safety, and educate parents and students on responsible use.

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? 

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, offering new ways to enhance learning. AI has the potential to support problem-solving, creativity, and language development, but its use must remain ethical and human-centered. It's essential that AI complements, rather than replaces, students' own efforts and creativity. As AI becomes more common in schools, educators must teach students to use it responsibly, ensuring it builds upon their ideas rather than substituting their work. By integrating AI thoughtfully, schools can equip students with the skills to adapt to evolving technology while preserving critical thinking, creativity, and personal engagement. The future of education depends on balancing AI’s benefits with the irreplaceable value of human-driven learning.  

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?

Enrollment decline can severely impact our schools by reducing funding, which affects programs, class sizes, and staffing. To address this, I would focus on fostering a positive school culture across all nine sites and engaging the community so that everyone feels invested in our schools' success. We must continuously improve academic achievement and highlight these successes to demonstrate the strong educational outcomes we deliver. Maintaining a focus on student achievement and data-driven decisions is essential. I would also implement a marketing plan showcasing our district's achievements, diverse programs, and learning experiences. Furthermore, I would strengthen and promote our extracurricular activities, which are key drivers of enrollment and highly valued by parents and students, especially at the secondary level.

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

I am honored to have received the endorsement of the Los Alamitos Education Association, which represents our district’s teachers. As a former public school teacher and principal, my dedication to education and deep understanding of the challenges faced by students and educators resonate with our community. The support of the dedicated teachers in our district means the world to me, and I value their trust in my vision for the future of our schools. Having witnessed firsthand the vital role teachers play in shaping students' lives, I am committed to working alongside them to ensure our schools continue to thrive. This endorsement reflects my alignment with educators' priorities, including improving educational outcomes, supporting teachers, and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education.

Perla Mendoza

Candidate Statement / Campaign Website / Social Media

1. What are three programs in your district that you believe should receive increased funding? 

I believe that enhancing tutoring programs, expanding music and art classes, and improving mental health support services for students are vital and would greatly benefit from increased funding. Additionally, I would be excited to see age-appropriate courses on healthy relationships, drug prevention, the dangers of social media, and self-esteem made available for our teens, with the support of their parents or caregivers. Furthermore, fostering more community engagement initiatives that actively involve students, and their families would be invaluable. Lastly, updating our school website would significantly enhance accessibility and communication.

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

For over 20 years, I have served our community through education, volunteering, social work, and family advocacy. I am deeply committed to the well-being of our students and understand the challenges that families face. I believe in parental involvement, and my focus is on doing what is right for students while prioritizing the best interests of everyone in our school district.

My passion for running for the school board is rooted in my experiences as both a professional and a parent. Having raised my son in this district, I have a profound appreciation for our community and its educational values. This journey has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how our school system operates at all levels.

I am dedicated to being your voice.

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

My primary goal in running for the school board is to support every student and advocate for their unique needs. Your well-being and education will be my utmost priority. I will listen to your concerns and do everything within my power to assist you.

If elected, I will work to provide all students with the resources and opportunities necessary to prepare for higher education and life beyond high school. It is essential that every student feels confident in their reading, writing, and math skills while meeting grade-level expectations.

I am committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels safe, has the opportunity to thrive, and receives the support they need. Together, we can ensure the success of all students.

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?

I fully support the existing policy implemented by my school district and believe it is crucial for all students, parents, and school staff to be well-acquainted with it. This shared understanding will enhance compliance and help simplify enforcement. However, I recognize that this is not a straightforward solution; it involves addressing deeper social dynamics. A cultural shift is needed from everyone involved. The challenge extends beyond just cellphone usage—it's a complex issue that requires us to empower our students to take responsibility and drive positive change.

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) technology for learning requires a balanced approach because of the potential for misuse. I believe we can implement AI learning tools to support student learning and protect our children by doing the following:

1. Educate Everyone: Teach students, parents, and staff about responsible technology use, how to recognize signs of misuse, and provide lessons on empathy, respect, and the effects of cyberbullying.

2. Establish Clear Policies Create clear rules about acceptable AI use and outline consequences for any misuse, ensuring that everyone—students, parents, and staff—understands these policies.

3. Encourage Feedback: Establish a method for students, parents, and educators to share their experiences.

4. Prioritize Privacy and Security: Ensure that data privacy and security are top priorities when using AI technologies.

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?

We must actively engage with our community to better understand why some parents are choosing to withdraw their children from our district schools. While I have some insights, it is crucial that we listen to community members and address their concerns. To effectively address this issue and prevent further enrollment declines and potential school closures, we need to collaborate. I believe there are viable solutions, but they will require mutual respect and cooperation among all stakeholders. It is concerning to hear that some parents feel compelled to invest significant time and resources in sending their children to schools outside our district, often motivated by a desire to shield them from challenging topics and issues happening within the district. 

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

I sincerely appreciate ALL my endorsements, especially those from parents, students, and school employees. I am particularly grateful for the trust and support of influential leaders in our community, including Senator Janet Nguyen, O.C. Sheriff Don Barnes, the Orange County Board of Education, O.C. Superintendent Stefan Bean, and the [members of the] Seal Beach City Council. Their confidence in me reflects my unwavering commitment to our community and our children. I have worked diligently to protect families and advocate for our youth, and it is an honor to have earned their respect. If elected, I will continue to serve on the school board with the same dedication and determination they have come to expect from me.

Editor's Note: The co-founder of Spotlight Schools has volunteered for many years with candidates Matt Bragman and Farnaz Pardasani while parents at McGaugh Elementary School. Spotlight Schools is committed to covering hyperlocal education news that other outlets do not, while remaining neutral, independent, and transparent in our reporting. Read more about our newsroom's values here.