Fri Oct 04 23:46:00 UTC 2024: ## Tustin School Board Candidate Focuses on Safety, Academic Excellence, and Parental Involvement

**Santa Ana, CA** – Kathy Copeland, a retired nonprofit executive and candidate for the Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) Board, outlined her priorities and views on key education issues in a recent questionnaire.

Copeland, who is running as a non-partisan candidate, emphasized her commitment to **safety and academic excellence** as the top two needs of the district. She plans to address safety by ensuring a secure campus environment, providing resources for student well-being, and fostering a supportive atmosphere for teachers. To enhance academic excellence, Copeland advocates for a wide range of learning opportunities, including rigorous academic tracks, STEAM programs, AP and IB courses, as well as vocational and special education offerings.

When asked about smartphone use in schools, Copeland believes they should be turned off during class to minimize distractions. On the topic of AI technology, she supports its use for learning but stresses the importance of proper supervision and oversight to prevent potential misuse for bullying.

Regarding parental involvement, Copeland believes parents are integral to their children’s education and should be primary decision-makers alongside their children. She acknowledges the importance of a supportive environment including parents, school, and community for child development.

On climate change, Copeland cites the district’s recent efforts to create cost-efficient and climate-friendly facilities, such as automatic lighting, updated HVAC systems, and “greener” building practices.

Copeland brings extensive expertise in fiscal responsibility and child development to the table. Her PhD in counseling psychology with an emphasis on pediatric psychology, along with her 20 years of executive leadership in mental health and nonprofit organizations, provides a wealth of knowledge about children and young adults. She highlights her experience in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and developing successful programs as valuable assets for the school district.

The Orange County Register compiled these responses as part of its voter guide, offering residents valuable insights into the candidates’ platforms and priorities ahead of the November general election.

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