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.
Name: Chris Lowe
Age: 56
Current job title: Director of Education at the Richard Nixon Foundation
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Placentia City Council for 8 years, including 2 as mayor
City where you reside: Yorba Linda
Campaign website or social media: loweforpylusd.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.)
The two greatest needs facing our school district are fiscal stability and safe schools.
Fiscal stability is essential to maintaining the high-quality education our students deserve. Declining enrollment, rising costs, and years of financial challenges require disciplined leadership and long-term planning. I bring extensive experience managing complex organizations, budgets, and real estate assets, along with a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. I will work collaboratively with the superintendent, teachers, staff, and community to establish sustainable budgets, prioritize classroom resources, identify efficiencies, and make decisions based on long-term needs rather than short-term politics.
Safe schools must remain a fundamental priority. Students cannot learn, and teachers cannot teach effectively unless they feel safe, supported, and respected. I will advocate for strong campus security, appropriate emergency preparedness, responsible technology use, and programs that promote a positive school culture. Just as importantly, I believe safety includes creating an environment where students and staff can raise concerns and know they will be taken seriously. I am proud that I received the endorsement of the OC firefighters.
As a lifelong member of the PYLUSD community and parent of a current district student, I am prepared to bring experience, accountability, and common-sense leadership to these challenges.
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.)
The school board should provide mature, thoughtful leadership and establish a clear, long-term vision for the district.
Leadership also means setting a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement. We need to embrace the changing face of education, encourage creativity, responsibly leverage new technologies, and support new ideas that can improve outcomes for students and teachers.
Most importantly, the board should create an environment where excellent teachers can succeed, parents have confidence in their schools, and students are prepared not only for college and careers, but also for responsible citizenship.
A successful school board should focus on the long term, work collaboratively, listen to the community, and keep students at the center of every decision. Our district has a proud history, one I have experienced both as a student and as a parent. We should build on that strong foundation while preparing PYLUSD for the next generation.
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.)
Artificial intelligence will be an important part of our students’ future, and our schools should prepare them to use it responsibly, safely, and effectively.
AI can enhance learning by providing tutoring, research, brainstorming, language support, and personalized instruction. I have seen my 16-year-old son use AI as a learning tool to build a stronger understanding and appreciation of his schoolwork.
But AI needs clear boundaries. It should never replace a student’s own thinking, writing, problem-solving, or creativity. Schools should establish appropriate age guidelines for privacy, data protection, academic integrity, and appropriate use.
As an adjunct professor at Chapman University, I have seen firsthand AI’s growing impact on student work. I encourage my students to use it thoughtfully, fact-check what it produces, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject. Most importantly, their final work must reflect their own knowledge and original effort.
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.)
Schools have an important responsibility to teach students how to engage in civil discourse, respectfully disagree, and listen to viewpoints different from their own. This is essential to prepare students for citizenship and a healthy democracy.
I would like to see our district create more opportunities for students to discuss current events, history, government, and important community issues in a structured and respectful environment. Students should be encouraged to ask questions, challenge ideas, and defend their positions with facts and evidence.
I have had the opportunity to help teach local high school students and have been impressed by their maturity when discussing difficult issues. It reminds me of when I was a senior at Valencia High School and watched President Reagan and Speaker Tip O’Neill strongly disagree yet maintain their friendship and mutual respect.
We should teach students to disagree without being disagreeable.
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.)
Attracting and retaining excellent teachers starts with making our district a place where educators want to build a career. While housing assistance may be part of the solution, we need a broader approach.
First, we should listen to our teachers and understand why talented educators are leaving. Competitive compensation matters, but so do classroom support, manageable workloads, strong leadership, professional development, and a positive school culture.
We should also explore partnerships with local governments, developers, and community organizations to identify opportunities for affordable or workforce housing for teachers and school employees. Any program should be financially responsible and evaluated against other district priorities.
Several years ago, I worked with CSUF to help develop University Heights in Fullerton, providing 42 faculty housing units. I’m proud that many educators have made it their long-term home for over 25 years.
Ultimately, we need to restore pride in teaching at PYLUSD. Teachers should feel respected, supported, and trusted. Retention is about culture as much as compensation. If we create an environment where great teachers can thrive, they will want to stay.
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 bring a combination of local roots, business experience, public service, and education to this role. I grew up in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, attended Valencia High School, and now have a son attending El Dorado High School. This district is personal to me, and I care deeply about its future.
My professional experience includes serving as director of Global Development and Public Affairs for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and as an adjunct professor of Business and Public Policy at Chapman University. I also served eight years on a city council, including two years as mayor. Today, I serve as director of Education at the Nixon Foundation, developing a comprehensive K–12 education pathway.
These experiences have taught me how to manage complex organizations, evaluate budgets, work with diverse stakeholders, and make difficult decisions.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
If my campaign had a mascot, it would be a tiger. The tiger was my mascot when I attended Valencia High School, and it represents the pride I have always had in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.
A tiger represents a thoughtful approach, determination, and loyalty. Those are the qualities I would bring to the school board.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
Maybe not the best but certainly the most recent book I’ve read this year is “Lord of the Flies.” My son and I read it together this summer to prepare for his Honors Language Arts class. I’m currently halfway through reading “Grant” by Ron Chernow. I’m finding President Grant’s life and the challenges he faced during a fascinating period in American history particularly interesting.