STORY AND PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY EMELY DE HARO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
This article was updated on Nov. 5 at 1:35 PM
With in person voting coming to a close at 8:00 pm, here are the update for the polling results:
In the lead for District Area 3 is incumbent Ed Lopez with 14,790 votes as of 12:59 AM
For District Area 5 in the lead is candidate Mark Lopez with 14,528 votes as of 12:59 AM
Lastly for District Area 7 in the lead is incumbent Ryan Bent with 26,662 votes as of 12:59 AM
All results have been taken from https://ocvote.gov/
The school board has three open seats in the North Orange County Community College District. Six new candidates are running for election, and two candidates are running for re-election. District areas 2, 5, and 7 are up for voting in the upcoming election that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
The NOCCCD Area 2 includes the cities of Fullerton, Placentia, La Habra, and Brea.
Ed Lopez
Occupation: North Orange County Community College District, Trustee Area 2
Background: a Californian who has lived here for 23 years, currently teaching political science at Irvine Valley College, holds a law degree and master’s degree in public administration. They previously served in the Clinton administration and as staff counsel to a U.S. Senate committee. Since 2016, they have served on the Board of Trustees of the North Orange County Community College District, focusing on making Cypress College and Fullerton College among the best community colleges in California, maintaining high academic standards, strengthening vocational programs, and improving campus sustainability. They request your vote to continue promoting student success and providing educated employees to California businesses, serving students and taxpayers.
Jack Daniel Fennell (no picture found)
Occupation: Construction Project Manager
Background: Jack Daniel Fennell, a former Anaheim Youth Commissioner and volunteer, has been elected to the NOCCCD Board of Trustees. As a project manager for a construction company, Fennell will provide valuable insights and skills to the growing organization. As a former student of Cypress and Fullerton College, Fennell is committed to making campuses more welcoming to increase enrollment and improve the district’s budget outlook. As a businessman, scholar, and public servant, Fennell will represent the residents of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, and Stanton. His objectives include promoting a strong focus on education, fostering a safe campus community, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The NOCCCD Area 5 includes portions of Buena Park, portions of West Anaheim, and La Habra.
Mark Lopez
Occupation: Governing Board Member, Anaheim Elementary School District, Area 4
Background: The candidate is running for NOCCCD due to their belief in the transformative power of education. As a high school teacher in Anaheim, they support students daily, helping them gain diplomas, secure employment, and pursue higher education. As a trustee on the Anaheim Elementary School District Board, they have achieved success in Dual Language Immersion, earning recognition from the National Association of Music Merchants, establishing the Enhanced Learning Opportunities Program, maintaining low-class sizes, deploying clean-energy electric buses, modernizing schools, and opening Anaheim Elementary Online Academy. They are committed to bringing this dedication to community colleges and would be honored to receive your vote.
Steve Slawson
Website: https://www.steveslawson.org/
Occupation: Parent/Orange County Businessman\
Background: With over 27 years of experience in business and education states they are qualified to serve as your North Orange County Community College District Trustee. As a dedicated citizen, businessman, and parent, he is committed to giving back to the community. He states he will advocate for a high-quality education, removing political agendas from the classroom, empowering parents as partners, ensuring graduates are ready for the workforce, providing a safe learning environment, and ensuring a balanced budget. He is supported by local teachers, parents, and businesses, and is passionate about ensuring every student has the same opportunity to succeed.
The NOCCCD Area 5 includes the city of Anaheim, Buena Park, La Palma, Stanton, Cypress, portions of Garden Grove, and Los Alamitos.
Ryan Bent
Website: https://www.ryanbent.org/
Occupation: Governing Board Member, North Orange County
Community College District, Trustee Area 7
Background: Ryan Bent is being re-elected to the NOCCCD Board of Trustees due to his extensive community service and leadership. He has been named “Community College Trustee of the Year” and has served as a City Commissioner, UC Irvine Program Advisory Board Member, and Community Emergency Response Team Member. Bent is a dedicated husband, father, business professional, lifelong learner, community volunteer, and public servant. He oversees the campuses of Fullerton College, Cypress College, and North Orange Continuing Education. Bent has a strong focus on student success, fiscal responsibility, and transparency with taxpayers. He has completed various degrees and certificates in various fields, including Business Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, and Higher Education Leadership
Kyle Miller
Website: https://www.electkyle.com/
Occupation: Education Policy Advisor
Background: Kyle Miller is running for the North Orange County Community College District to combat partisan politics and cultural issues that distract from supporting students. Miller has a history of serving the community, including being a small business owner, Mayor of La Habra Heights, Chamber of Commerce CEO, and advisor to a State Senator. As a NOCCCD Board Member, Miller aims to prioritize student success, ensure competitive pay for faculty and staff, and bring STEM and apprenticeship programs to local colleges. He believes it’s time to get politics out of education and prioritize student success.
