Saddleback Valley USD · Trustee Area 5

Meet Kris

Rooted in Saddleback Valley. Committed to Our Schools.

I grew up attending Saddleback Valley Unified School District schools, and my husband and I chose to raise our children here.

For more than 16 years, I have been involved in our district as a parent volunteer and community leader. I’ve served as a PTA leader, School Site Council member, Community Advisory Committee Chair, and Special Education Advocacy Chair.

Through these roles, I’ve learned that strong schools are built by people working together. I’ve seen the dedication of educators and staff, the importance of engaged families, and the difference thoughtful collaboration can make for students.

A Personal Reason to Advocate

As the parent of a son who received special education services from preschool through graduation, my family experienced the education system from a deeply personal perspective.

When he was in elementary school, we were told he might never earn a high school diploma.

This year, he graduated.

His journey was made possible by his perseverance, our family’s partnership with his schools, and educators who believed in his potential. It reinforced what I believe about our schools: when students are surrounded by dedicated educators, high expectations, and meaningful collaboration between schools and families, they can achieve more than anyone imagined.

That experience inspired me to become an advocate – not only for my own child, but for students and families throughout our district.

Advocacy & Service

I’ve worked to strengthen parent engagement, improve communication, and advocate for the resources students need. Some of the work I’m most proud of includes:

• Advocating for public education and students at the local and state level, meeting with legislators and policymakers to support education funding and advocate for legislation that benefits students, families, and schools.
• Establishing a direct connection between parent leaders and district administration through recurring leadership meetings where concerns, questions, and potential solutions could be brought directly to district decision-makers.
• Serving as South Orange County Community Advisory Committee Chair for Saddleback Valley and Laguna Beach Unified and as Saddleback Valley PTA Special Education Advocacy Chair, leading sustained advocacy, parent engagement, and collaboration.
• Building a districtwide network of Parent Special Education Liaisons at nearly every SVUSD school, creating an ongoing source of support and connection for families.
• Developing the Special Education Liaison Handbook from the ground up, providing schools and parent leaders with a comprehensive resource to support their work.
• Strengthening parent engagement through ongoing trainings, workshops, meetups, and leadership events throughout the year.
• Receiving the Triumph Award from South OC SELPA in recognition of service and contributions to students, families, and public education.

How I Will Lead

I believe strong leadership starts with relationships. Over the years, I have cultivated relationships built on trust, respect, and open communication.

As a trustee, I will listen before acting, ask thoughtful and sometimes difficult questions, examine the facts, and work collaboratively toward solutions.

I won’t assume that everyone will agree. I believe different perspectives make decision-making stronger when people are willing to listen, communicate respectfully, and work toward a common goal.

Above all, I will keep students at the center of every decision.

Why I’m Running

Saddleback Valley USD has a strong foundation, and I believe we have important opportunities ahead.

I’m running for the Board of Education because I want to build on what is working, thoughtfully address where we can improve, and help ensure our schools continue preparing every student for the future.

Strong Schools. Engaged Families. Bright Futures.