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Keith Jorgensen, Ocean View School District candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

October 4, 2024

Ahead of the November general 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.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Keith Jorgensen

Current job title: Realtor/Investor

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside:

Campaign website or social media: jorgensen4ovsd.com

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.)

I am in favor of implementing heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools. Smartphones are a major distraction, often leading students to focus on social media or gaming rather than their studies. By limiting their use, schools can minimize interruptions and help students concentrate better on their academic tasks.

This shift encourages more face-to-face interactions, fostering stronger peer relationships and collaboration skills. Reduced smartphone usage can decrease instances of cyberbullying and inappropriate content exposure, especially in the K-8 grades.

While smartphones can be valuable educational tools and vital for family communication, their unrestricted use during school hours poses more risks than benefits. Heavier restrictions help maintain classroom discipline, support healthier learning habits and ultimately create a more focused and productive educational experience for all students.

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.)

Ocean View School District can leverage AI to enhance learning by implementing several key strategies. AI-powered tools can personalize learning experiences, adapting resources and lessons to individual student needs, which can improve engagement and academic outcomes. For instance, AI can analyze students’ performance data to provide targeted feedback and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

To protect against cyberbullying, districts can deploy AI-driven monitoring systems that detect harmful or inappropriate online behavior in real time. These systems can flag suspicious activity and alert educators or administrators, enabling prompt intervention before issues escalate. Additionally, AI can help design educational programs that promote digital citizenship and responsible online behavior, educating students about the impact of their actions and the importance of respect in digital interactions.

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.)

OVSD has a $6 million+ deficit and declining enrollment; schools must take decisive actions to stabilize finances and refocus on core educational priorities. First, streamline expenses by reducing administrative overhead and consolidating programs that are less critical. Prioritize funding for essential teaching resources and maintain teacher quality, as these directly impact student learning.

Revise the curriculum to emphasize fundamental skills — such as literacy, numeracy and critical thinking — to ensure students gain a solid academic foundation. This focus can improve student outcomes, making the school more attractive to potential enrollees, and bring back families that pursued private education or homeschooling options. By concentrating on essential education, optimizing resource allocation and actively seeking additional support, schools can address the financial shortfall and adapt to changing enrollment trends while maintaining a strong academic focus.

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 hold a degree in psychology with a focus on child development from Pepperdine University, which has provided me with a unique perspective on human behavior and decision-making. With 30 years as a real estate investor and almost 25 years as a Realtor, I have honed my skills in managing complex projects, including new builds and renovations, which is directly applicable to overseeing district spending and relationship interactions.

My extensive experience with budgets and spreadsheets ensures meticulous financial oversight, crucial for managing school funds and ensuring efficient use of student resources. Navigating interactions with lenders, contractors and city planning officials has refined my skills in negotiation and problem-solving, enabling me to effectively address and resolve challenges that may arise within the school district and superintendent.

This combination of psychological insight and practical, hands-on experience equips me to contribute effectively as a school board trustee. I am well-prepared to ensure that educational budgets are managed wisely, and the needs of students and staff are met, ultimately supporting a thriving educational environment.

California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, 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.)

I am firmly opposed to AB 1955, believing it represents an overreach by Sacramento. Parents have a fundamental, God-given right to be fully informed about their child’s well-being until they reach adulthood. Just as children are restricted from voting, driving or consuming alcohol due to their maturity level, parents should not be excluded from critical information regarding their child’s transitioning or medical treatments.

Given that the City Council has declared Huntington Beach a “Parental Right to Know” city, I am committed to upholding this principle at the school board. Ensuring that parents are involved in significant decisions affecting their children’s health and education is essential. This approach fosters transparency and strengthens family involvement, allowing parents and teachers to provide the necessary support and guidance while strengthening the parent-teacher relationship. By aligning our school policies with the “Parental Right to Know” stance, we uphold parental rights and contribute to more informed, collaborative decision-making for the benefit of our students. This commitment will ensure that parents remain integral to their children’s educational and personal development, reinforcing our community’s values and standards.

What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

N/A

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Keith Jorgensen, Ocean View School District candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

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