MEET TRUSTEE KRIS ERICKSON
I've called Orange Unified home for 50 years. I walked the halls of El Modena High, and thanks to the OUSD teachers who believed in me, I went on to graduate from UC Irvine and earn my law degree.
My husband, Kurt, and I have been married for 30 years, and we've had the joy of raising our daughters right here in the community we've always loved. When it came time to choose schools for our children, we proudly chose OUSD again. But that choice came with a promise: to give back, to show up, and to make the classroom experience better for every single child in our district.
For more than 25 years, while running a small business and practicing law, I've spent my free time coaching Mock Trial, mentoring at-risk youth, and serving in PTA leadership. I'm honored to be endorsed by the classroom teachers and community leaders who have stood beside me in this work.
When my oldest daughter entered high school, I saw that her campus looked exactly as it had when I attended decades earlier. Along with other concerned parents, I launched a grassroots effort (C.A.R.E.) that ultimately led to the passage of Measure S, a $288 million investment in modernizing our high schools. That same year, I was honored to receive the Golden Oak Service Award, the highest recognition for service to children and the community from the California PTA.
Since being elected to the Board of Education in 2018, I've worked every day to ensure our students get the support they need. Throughout my legal career, I've seen the real-world consequences when young people fall through the cracks. As your Trustee, I'm determined to make sure that doesn't happen here.
I believe deeply in the power of public education because I have lived it, my children have lived it, and I see its impact in our community every day. It's an honor to serve the district that was my foundation for a success, and I hope to continue working toward a future where every student in Orange Unified can reach their greatest potential.