Ahead of the June primary 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. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Jason Sams
Current job title: Board Advisor
Age: 50
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Aliso Viejo
Campaign website or social media: jasonsamsocbe.com
What are the top two needs you see for the Board of Education to address, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
One need is to address the budget shortfall as it relates to special needs youth and required services. Second, provide accountability to charter school management. I will initiate a conversation around building sound and meaningful relationships at the county, state, and federal level in order to secure special education funding, thereby eliminating the special education funding deficit. I will initiate and support policies that will require charter schools to disclose to what extent teachers and contractors are credentialed, ensuring the highest quality of service provided to the youth.
The OC Board of Education is tasked with considering charter school application appeals. What are the conditions you think should be considered before the board says yes to a charter school? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Charter schools have rights by law to assemble. However, the board should determine if school educators and third-party contractors are credentialed, thereby ensuring appropriate services are provided for special needs students. Also, board members need to understand to what extent charter schools are creating or devaluing homeowner values, which in turn weakens public schools. Historically, some charter schools have been accused of neglecting to fully invest funds into their youth. Considering accountability measures can help charter schools provide the best service to its youth.
The OC Board of Education oversees the education of some of the county’s most vulnerable populations, acting as the “district” for some special education and alternative programs. Are there new initiatives or programs you think can serve those students? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Yes, in part. The Innovation Funding Initiative works to distribute $525,000 funding to meet a portion of the needs of special needs students. Unfortunately, this amount pales in comparison to the current special education deficit and the cost associated with special need services. Some services can provide education and awareness for parents and children around neurodivergence and communal support. This program can serve parents and children simultaneously offering an enriched experience in the classroom.
Describe your education philosophy in 10 words or less.
All children deserve fair and equitable distribution of educational services.
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.)
I bring board leadership to the current Orange County Board of Education role. I currently sit, as a board advisor, to the College of Humanities Education and Social Sciences. Roosevelt University was founded on the principles of social justice for all, specifically in the educational institutions. The university specializes in advocating for marginalized and those who have been underrepresented in education, such as special needs students. I have learned how to advocate for all youth no matter the individual circumstances.