Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Michele Sparks
Current job title: Businesswoman
Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Laguna Hills
Campaign website or social media: http://www.sparksforschoolboard.com
Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools, pointing to studies that show the harmful effects of social media. How do you see schools restricting smartphone use? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The challenges this generation faces with technology are unprecedented. As a parent of three teenagers, I’m part of one of the last generations to have experienced life without cell phones, social media, and the unique issues they bring. How we navigate the smartphone and social media dilemma will shape all of our future. While these tools offer undeniable benefits when used responsibly, adolescent and preadolescent minds are not fully equipped to regulate them independently. Schools and parents must collaborate to address the negative impacts of smartphone use. Policies should limit smartphone usage at school, especially in classrooms, where students should be focused on learning and interacting with their peers.
Beyond policy, educators and parent groups must unite to host educational sessions for families, offering resources and guidance on understanding the effects of social media on children. By working together, we can empower families to manage smartphone use more effectively and help our children thrive in a digital age.
How can your district better harness artificial intelligence technology for learning while also protecting kids from another tool that can be used for bullying? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Technology is a double-edged sword. While advancements like AI offer incredible benefits, they also raise significant concerns. From an educator’s perspective, AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing and personalizing learning. AI-powered platforms can help teachers tailor lessons to meet individual student needs, making education more accessible and effective. Additionally, AI can streamline administrative tasks such as lesson planning, grading, and communication with students and families, allowing educators to focus more on teaching.
However, there is a downside. When it comes to students, AI can be misused, leading to issues such as cheating, bullying, and an over-reliance on AI for schoolwork. To address these challenges, school districts must implement measures to protect students. This includes limiting smartphone usage at school, ensuring teachers are properly trained on AI technology, and establishing safeguards for AI use on school devices and platforms. Most importantly, districts need to engage and educate parents and families about the implications of technology, both in and outside of the classroom. By working together, we can ensure that the benefits of AI and technology are maximized while minimizing the risks to our students.
What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
My two top priorities for our school district are fiscal accountability and safety. With potential budget cuts impending from the state, my focus will be on managing the budget to ensure that any reductions have minimal impact on classrooms and student learning. Fiscal responsibility is about making strategic decisions that protect the quality of education. Prioritizing funding that directly benefits students and exploring creative ways to maximize resources will be essential.
In addition, our financial decisions must align with the district’s broader goals of maintaining high standards of safety and well-being for students, staff, and families. Ensuring fiscal accountability is critical to maintaining a safe and effective learning environment. I will advocate for transparency, thoughtful planning, and long-term sustainability to help navigate financial challenges without compromising education or safety.
Safety extends beyond secure campuses; it includes protecting the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of everyone in the school community. Regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering collaboration are key to addressing safety concerns. Teacher training, parent education, and clear communication are also crucial in implementing effective safety protocols. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table for this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
As a first-generation college graduate, my teachers and counselor inspired and guided me, providing the resources that changed my future pathway. I am committed to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed. Over the past 13 years, my three children have all attended SVUSD schools, and I have been deeply involved in advocating for education. My leadership roles include serving as PTA/PTO president at Valencia Elementary and La Paz Intermediate, chairing numerous PTA events and programs K-12, president of the Educational Foundation, SVPTA Council president, and SVPTA VP of Advocacy. I have also participated on School Site Councils at all levels, PBIS teams, and chaired the SVUSD College & Career Fair, along with numerous other committees.
These experiences have provided me with valuable insights into our schools and equipped me with the skills necessary for effective leadership on the School Board. In addition to my SVUSD involvement, I hold a B.A. in business administration with a double major in psychology. My professional background includes experience in human resources, sales, and running multiple small local businesses. I am passionate about contributing to our community and ensuring our schools excel.
California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The question surrounding parental notification policies and gender identity is complex. Yes, parents are the most important resource in their students’ lives. Yes, there is a correlation between family involvement in education and a student’s well-being and success. Yes, our district should always encourage students to communicate with their parents regarding any changes they’re going through. Yes, our district should honor & respect parental rights to the fullest extent of the law.
Questions we need to ask: What about the child who doesn’t have a loving, supportive home? What if a child is in danger of being abused? For students in unsupportive or unsafe home environments, disclosing personal matters could lead to abuse or homelessness. As a parent, I strive to create an environment where my children feel comfortable coming to me. However, if a child cannot do so, they need access to counseling and support. With teen suicide being a leading cause of death among youth, it is crucial that we provide necessary resources and ensure student safety while respecting parental rights and student needs.
As a board member, I will prioritize the availability of counseling services while also ensuring that schools encourage students to communicate with their families.
What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Combating climate change is everyone’s responsibility. There are many things our district is doing and more that can be done. Many of our school sites have installed renewable energy/solar panels in their parking lots. As facilities are updated, our district should invest in energy-efficient buildings, which include LED lighting, energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies. School sites can promote student engagement through programs and clubs that support recycling and integrate climate education into the science curriculum. Again, engaging all stakeholders in this initiative is key, partnership with local organizations, community, families, teachers and students is necessary.
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