Ahead of the special election for Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustee, the Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent the Area 5 seat. You can find the full questionnaire below. Answers may have been lightly edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some cases, to remove hate speech or offensive language.
Read also: Two candidates talk priorities, leadership in special NMUSD trustee election
Name: Kirstin Walsh
City where you reside: Newport Beach
Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools, pointing to studies that show the harmful effects of social media. How do you see schools restricting smartphone use? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
NMUSD led the state in restricting smartphone use in elementary and secondary schools. By listening to parents, teachers, and students, our district was able to significantly reduce distractions in the classroom so students can focus on their main goal: learning. As a parent to two students myself, I am grateful for this landmark policy and I’m pleased to hear that the governor is taking a page out of our book.
How can your district better harness artificial intelligence technology for learning while also protecting kids from another tool that can be used for bullying? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
AI technology isn’t going away. It’s important that our educators are empowered to train students to use this technology effectively and ethically. Importantly, students need to develop critical thinking skills to evaluate AI-generated content and maintain strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and problem-solving. Regarding cyberbullying concerns, we need robust digital citizenship education and policies in place to address this evolving landscape. That’s why schools across our district, such as Newport Harbor, are leading the charge to incorporate AI into the curriculum. Our job as a board is to support teachers, students, and parents in implementing these programs.
California has a new law that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Student safety is first and foremost. Parents are primary stakeholders in their children’s education and have a fundamental role in their students’ well-being. NMUSD has always prioritized working collaboratively with families while maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all students. My focus is on ensuring our schools provide excellent academic instruction while supporting the unique needs of every child. As a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, I know that kids grow up in lots of different kinds of situations, some not always the most safe or accepting. All students deserve to go to school in safe and supportive learning environments.
There are efforts in the state legislature to ensure schools are protected from federal immigration enforcement. Do you support these types of efforts? (Please limit your response to 250 words or less.)
Every child deserves access to quality education regardless of their background. Schools should be safe learning environments where all students can focus on academics without fear. NMUSD has always been committed to serving every student who walks through our doors. My priority is ensuring our schools remain focused on their core mission: providing excellent education. I believe in following established legal frameworks while maintaining our district’s commitment to academic excellence and student safety. Our teachers and administrators should be able to concentrate on instruction and learning, not enforcement activities outside their expertise and responsibility.
What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
First, preparing students for life after NMUSD in both maintaining academic excellence while addressing learning recovery post-pandemic and empowering students to explore vocational, community college, and career readiness pathways. We must continue supporting our teachers with professional development and resources while ensuring rigorous curriculum standards. I’ll advocate for targeted interventions for students who need additional support and expanded enrichment opportunities. Second, responsible and transparent spending amid declining enrollment and rising costs. It’s no secret that our district is in need of infrastructure investments, and we need strategic budget planning that prioritizes classroom instruction while building for the future of our community.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table for this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
As a licensed occupational therapist and mother of two Newport Harbor High School students, I bring both professional expertise in child development and lived experience as an NMUSD parent. Over a decade of volunteer leadership has taught me the importance of building bridges between families, educators, and administrators. Through serving on executive boards and foundations at Newport Elementary, Ensign Intermediate, and Newport Harbor High School, plus my current role as PTA President at Newport Harbor, I’ve learned to listen to diverse stakeholders while focusing on student outcomes. My experience with Harbor Council PTA and water polo boosters has shown me how community engagement strengthens our schools. My occupational therapy background provides valuable insight into how students learn differently and the importance of inclusive educational environments. As the daughter of a military family, I understand the value of service and bringing people together around common goals. These experiences have prepared me to advocate for academic excellence, safe campuses, and transparent communication that puts students first.