Three candidates are competing for the Area 5 seat on the Orcutt Union School District board of trustees, with incumbent Shaun Henderson facing challengers David Morgan and Whitney May in the Nov. 3 election.
The candidates discussed quetions regarding cellphone and artificial intelligence policies, school facilities and safety, and trustee compensation, and their responses included different views on classroom technology and trustee pay, while all three emphasized student safety, transparency and community input.
On technology, Henderson said the district’s “off and away” cellphone policy was developed after a committee of administrators, teachers, parents and students studied cellphone use during the 2024-25 school year. The committee surveyed students, parents and staff before recommending that students keep cellphones in their backpacks and away from classroom workspaces.
Henderson said teachers have reported the policy has improved classroom focus and increased group discussions. The district also is reducing the use of school-issued devices, he said, with technology intended for assignments where it provides a particular benefit rather than being the default for every assignment.
The district is using artificial intelligence through MagicSchool, which Henderson described as a tool that can help teachers develop lessons and provide individualized support. He said the district is focused on teaching students to use AI responsibly while protecting student information.
“We want to make sure everyone understands how to use AI in a kind and thoughtful way,” Henderson said.
May said she was encouraged by the district’s efforts to reduce technology use but remains concerned about the amount of classroom work being done on electronic devices, particularly in math. She said watching her daughter try to learn math on a Chromebook was frustrating, and that students need opportunities to learn without relying too heavily on screens.
“I think my bigger concern is with technology being used … too much in different subjects, especially for math,” May said.
May said students need to “really cement those facts,” and said she believes traditional learning methods can provide a different type of engagement.
Morgan said the board should determine whether technology is helping students by consulting teachers, parents and students and looking at measures such as test scores. He said test scores are not a complete measure of education but can provide useful information.
“You can seek input from parents as well,” Morgan said. “You know, it’s a conversation that everybody at the table needs to be invited to and participate in.”
Morgan said students should be asked about how classroom technology affects their learning, but said younger students may not be able to explain their experiences as clearly as older students.
“A five-year-old may not be able to articulate that, but a high school senior certainly should be able to,” he said.
Facilities and safety also were central to the candidates’ responses, with each emphasizing different areas for attention.
Henderson said safety is his top priority and cited the district’s single points of entry, fencing around schools, annual safety plans and additional vice principals. He also pointed to emergency-response systems, and said he supports eventually adding a safety administrator who would rotate between Orcutt Junior High School, Lakeview Junior High School and Orcutt Academy High School.
“Every child, teacher, and staff member deserves to feel physically and emotionally safe,” Henderson said.
Henderson said the district continues to monitor student behavior and suspension trends and is reviewing ways to improve safety and security. He also cited the district’s cameras, emergency communication systems and software designed to monitor social media for potential threats.
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May said she believes the district has made progress on campus security but wants more attention paid to general building maintenance. She cited roofs and problems caused by heavy rain as examples of projects that need attention.
“I think there are definitely areas that need to be brought up to speed in that,” May said.
May said she has been frustrated when her children have experienced canceled or shortened school days because of rain. She said the district should consider how quickly needed projects can be completed while minimizing disruption to students and instruction.
Morgan said facilities should be prioritized based on the severity of a problem and its effect on students’ ability to learn.
He said classrooms need to be safe and habitable, while cafeteria and office facilities also need to adequately support their functions.
Trustee compensation was another point of difference among the candidates.
May said she was disappointed by the board’s decision to increase its compensation and believes the amount is too high given other needs in the district. She said she does not plan to accept the stipend or health insurance benefits if elected. If she were to receive the stipend, she said she would donate it to the district’s PTAs.
“For me personally, I am not planning on taking the stipend or the health insurance,” May said.
Morgan also said he would not accept trustee compensation if elected. He said discussions about board compensation should be disclosed publicly before a vote and that the reasons for any change should be explained to the community.
“Any discussions about board compensation should be published well in advance of the vote, and any justification for doing so should be clearly articulated to the public,” Morgan said.
Henderson said the compensation change was made under state law and that the district updated its policy after the law changed. He said board agendas, policy updates and meeting minutes are publicly posted. He also said trustees do not receive free health benefits, noting that family coverage would cost at least $800 for the lowest option.
The candidates cited different reasons for seeking the Area 5 seat.
May said she wants greater representation for parents of elementary school students and has heard concerns from families about student behavior and school safety. She has three children in district schools and said her experience as a parent has given her perspective on how the district has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Morgan said his focus would be accountability and transparency, including hearing directly from teachers and classified employees about district operations. He said he has contacted both district unions and received an endorsement from the Orcutt Educators Association.
Henderson, who is seeking a third term after eight years on the board, pointed to his experience in management, human resources, financial and operational management, as well as his more than 33 years living in the area. His three children attended Orcutt Union School District schools, and he said he completed the Masters in Governance Program after joining the board.
Mark Steller and Melanie Waffle are running unopposed in Areas 3 and 4, respectively.
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