by Tom Johnson
On the campaign trail: Lisa Pearson is formally kicking off her campaign for the Newport-Mesa Unified School Board of Education next Monday, Aug. 15. She comes to us at the recommendation of incumbent Karen Yelsey who is calling it quits after 16 years serving our children.
Oh, and if you know Karen it really was serving! So, when she recommends someone, I don’t take it lightly.
Lisa was an elementary school teacher for 10 years meaning she obviously knows what the inside of a classroom looks and operates like, which I think is important. She was also a district Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she has served as a mentor to new teachers coming into the district.
As a parent, she’s been PTA President at both Lincoln Elementary and Corona del Mar High School; a School Site Council member; on the Harbor Council PTA; she’s been involved in both Newport Harbor and CdM high school principal searches and so much more.
Outside the schools she’s been involved in the National Charity League, Second Harvest Food Bank and volunteered at the Thomas House (family shelter in Garden Grove). Oh, and she’s also raised a family.
Her priorities that she’s running on include “maintaining and advancing the quality of education for every student, continuing distinguished academic programs and career technical programs, support of mental health, providing safe and secure classrooms, all while maintaining financial stability for the district.
I met Lisa and was impressed.