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.
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Name: Jordan Abushawish
Age: 45
Current job title: Senior Director, Government Affairs
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Fullerton
Campaign website or social media: Jordanforfullerton.com
What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Build upon campus safety, strengthen enrollment in our schools, grow student achievement, listen and support district teachers and staff and expand behavioral health support for students.
To you, what is the role of a school board in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
As a parent of two children in the district, I believe we must continue to instill trust in our public academic institutions by ensuring our students have access to high-quality education. Fullerton has a strong tradition of academic excellence, and I would like to preserve this tradition while working within the district to build consensus among the School Board on behalf of students, families, teachers and staff.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I believe there are remedial tasks AI could support in terms of administrative simplification for district staff; automation can help teachers and staff focus more on education. While we live in the AI age, I would want to balance screen time for our students and have tight guardrails parents can utilize to monitor and contain online activity and their mental and physical well-being.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I believe we should encourage students to be open-minded so they are more informed about issues that may be controversial and to inspire cooperation and understanding of others’ views and opinions. I will support a fact-based academic curriculum to support this effort.
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Some school districts around California are recruiting teachers by building subsidized housing. How would you suggest your district could better attract — and retain — educators? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I believe, in this day and age, that we have to even consider this situation. Our No. 1 priority for parents is to ensure our children receive the best education they deserve when they walk into their classrooms each day. We cannot sustain a healthy education system without educators. I’m very supportive of exploring what options are available to help with this. Teachers are in many cases the first line of defense for our students and deserve support, especially when affordability in this area is a major issue.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I’m a parent of two children who attend our local elementary school; I’m a neighbor and community advocate. I’ve served on boards and was an advisor for many major trade association councils and committees. I understand what it takes to unify groups and how important it is to work together to accomplish goals.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Polar Bear. Big, protective, calm, provider, strength and will do what it takes.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
“Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Don Clifton.
It’s a book based on years of Gallup data. It’s a book about how to manage and its importance in this new age. It focuses on future insights about how our growing students seek mission and pride in the workforce. As the world rapidly changes, leaders should be adaptive to the environment and vice versa with youth. Together, I believe we can cross the generational education spectrum to deliver education in more meaningful ways through purpose.