Corona del Mar, CA — Newport-Mesa Unified School District Trustee Lisa Pearson today announced her campaign for reelection to represent Area 4, building on a first-term record of delivering results for students and families across the district.
Area 4 includes Newport Coast Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Andersen Elementary and Harbor View Elementary. Because many Area 4 students continue on to CDM Middle School and CDM High School, Pearson remains deeply involved in those campuses as well, regularly attending PTA meetings, school activities and community events.
A former public school teacher, Pearson spent 10 years in the classroom and was named Teacher of the Year. She holds a teaching credential and a master’s degree in education from UCLA, as well as a master’s degree in school administration.
A 35-year resident of Corona del Mar, Pearson and her husband Mike raised their three children in the Newport-Mesa school system, and she has spent years as a dedicated volunteer and advocate for local students and families.
Pearson’s service to the district began long before she was elected to the school board. She served as PTA President at both Lincoln Elementary and CDM High School, organized and hosted school fundraisers, produced student theater productions and participated in numerous district committees, including serving on the planning committee for CDM Middle School and participating in the selection of new principals at CDM High and Newport Harbor High. She has also served on city committees, including recent work focused on e-bike safety and helping select Newport Beach’s new Police Chief.
During her first term as trustee, Pearson’s key accomplishments include:
- Modernizing school facilities, including securing a $15 million renovation of Andersen Elementary School, without raising taxes or passing a bond
- Working with city officials to strengthen campus safety by expanding School Resource Officer coverage to five days a week on high school campuses
- Expanding opportunities for advanced learners
- Broadening academic and social opportunities for students in the special education community
- Adding academic counselors to every elementary school campus
- Supporting policies that help students stay focused in the classroom, including new limits on cell phone use and e-bikes.
Pearson says her priorities for a second term remain focused on the fundamentals that families consistently ask for. They include:
- Academic excellence
- Keeping schools safe
- Supporting student mental health and wellbeing
- Protecting parent rights
- Fiscal responsibility and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars
“I’ve spent more than three decades volunteering in our schools and working alongside parents, teachers, and administrators. Our community values strong academics, safe campuses, and transparency with parents. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to continuing that work for our students and families.”
Pearson was first elected in 2022 with strong community support, reflecting her deep roots and long-standing commitment to Newport-Mesa families. She has already received endorsements from the Republican Party of Orange County, the Newport Beach Police Association, the Lincoln Club, and Will O’Neill, Chairman of the Orange County Republican Party and former Mayor of Newport Beach.
Pearson emphasized that her campaign will continue to focus on listening to parents and keeping students at the center of every decision.
“Newport-Mesa schools are exceptional because of the families and community that support them. I will continue working every day to make sure our schools remain safe, academically strong, and responsive to parents.”