Michael Stannard

Michael Stannard ran for election to the Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board to represent Trustee Area 4 in California. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Stannard completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michael Stannard was born in Downey, California. He attended the Don Bosco Technical Institute and California State University, Fullerton. His career experience includes working as a business owner and president. He has been affiliated with the Lake Forest Planning Commission.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board Area 4

Incumbent Amanda Morrell defeated Michael Stannard in the general election for Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board Area 4 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Amanda Morrell (Nonpartisan)	55.4	10,208
	Michael Stannard (Nonpartisan)	44.6	8,218

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 18,426
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Stannard in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Michael Stannard completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stannard's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Michael Stannard, a native Californian, father, husband, and long-time Lake Forest resident. I have six children, and over the past 27 years, four of them have attended SVUSD schools.

Since moving to Lake Forest in 1997, I’ve been involved in youth organizations and am passionate about helping children grow into capable individuals. In my free time, I enjoy running, paddleboarding, hiking, road trips, and spending time at national parks with family and friends. I’ve served as VP of Administration for the El Toro High School Instrumental Music and Pageantry Boost Board and currently serve as a Planning Commissioner, where I’ve gained experience in governance and decision-making.

Professionally, as a business owner, I focus on strategic problem-solving and fiscal responsibility. I’ve guided organizations through major crises, including the tech crash, 9/11, and COVID-19, while working with youth-focused non-profits to balance financial stability and advancing important missions.

Over the years, I’ve observed concerning shifts in the district, particularly in academic standards and the learning environment. This motivated me to run for the school board, committed to "Restoring Standards & Reclaiming Futures" for our students—ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve. My priorities include improving academic outcomes, addressing pandemic learning loss, enhancing career technical education, and ensuring safe, effective learning environments for all students.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Increasing Academic Achievement: SVUSD needs to return to a back-to-basics approach, focusing on core subjects such as reading, writing, math, history, including civics, along with essential life skills like personal finance. It’s unacceptable that over 50% of our students are below grade level in math, and 40% in English Language Arts. We need to understand why students are underperforming and provide the necessary support to help them improve. It’s not enough to meet the minimum graduation standard of Ds—we must aim higher. I’m committed to raising academic achievement, equipping every student with the skills they need to succeed, whether they choose college, vocational training, or enter the workforce.
Improving Fiscal Management: SVUSD is projected to rely on reserves for at least the next three years, jeopardizing school stability. We need a practical, results-driven approach to address the root causes of financial strain. Refocusing the budget on initiatives that directly impact learning, pursuing state and federal funding, public-private partnerships, and grants, will help build a sustainable future. Improving academic outcomes will attract more families, and addressing chronic absenteeism will protect vital funding. My experience managing organizations through similar challenges has consistently delivered successful outcomes, and I’m committed to ensuring long-term financial health for our schools.
Upholding Parental Authority: Parents have the right to be involved in and make decisions about every aspect of their minor children’s lives, including their education. It is crucial that schools work in collaboration with parents, ensuring they are fully informed and actively involved in guiding their children's development. By fostering open communication and respecting parents' rights, we can create a school environment that supports both academic success and family values. My commitment is to restore parental authority, ensuring that schools and families work together for the best outcomes for every child.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about several public policy areas that directly affect our community. High-quality education is essential for student success, and I’m committed to policies that support academic achievement and respect parental authority in guiding their children’s education.

Community development is another key focus, creating environments where families and businesses can thrive. I support increased local control over policies and tax dollars, giving our community more influence over decisions that matter most.

Finally, I believe in protecting personal freedoms, particularly fundamental rights such as free speech. Upholding these freedoms is vital to ensuring a strong and vibrant community.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe an elected official must have integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serve the community. Accountability is essential—decisions should always reflect the best interests of those we represent, not personal gain. Supporting and upholding the personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution is critical to ensuring a fair and just society. These rights are the foundation of our democracy, and I am committed to safeguarding them.

An elected official should actively participate in civil discourse and work collaboratively with other officeholders and the community to fully understand the issues at hand. This includes understanding how policies affect multiple constituencies and finding common ground to address the needs of everyone. Exercising critical thinking is key to developing well-informed decisions that lead to positive, lasting change.

I also believe in challenging the status quo when necessary. We can’t simply operate within the current system; we must fix what’s broken and improve what’s working. By putting people first and staying open to new solutions, an elected official can drive meaningful improvements for the community.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As a business owner and community leader, I bring a results-driven approach that emphasizes strategic problem-solving and fiscal responsibility—qualities essential for ensuring the long-term success of any organization. In the context of our school district, these traits will help us increase academic outcomes, reverse our financial crisis, and create environments where every student can thrive.

My experience leading non-profits, particularly youth-oriented groups, has further developed my ability to balance financial health with advancing critical missions. This skillset is vital in a school board role, where we must responsibly manage resources while delivering exceptional educational results for students.

I am a principled leader who is unafraid to ask tough questions, challenge the status quo, and make decisions that benefit all stakeholders, even when those decisions are difficult. As a parent whose children attended SVUSD schools and a long-term resident of our community, I am personally invested in addressing pandemic learning loss, supporting school choice, enhancing career technical education (CTE), and ensuring that our learning environments are both safe and effective.

Through collaboration, effective decision making and communication, and a commitment to all constituents, I aim to foster academic excellence while ensuring that the voices of students, parents, and teachers are heard. These qualities and priorities will enable me to be a successful school board trustee and lead SVUSD through its challenges, delivering lasting, positive outcomes for students and families.

What legacy would you like to leave?

When reflecting on the legacy I hope to leave behind, I would feel I had succeeded if I were remembered as a principled, integrity-driven leader—someone unafraid to look at things differently, push for change, ask the hard questions, and make the right decisions, even when they weren’t the most popular. I aim to be remembered for consistently challenging the status quo when necessary to deliver the best possible results for everyone involved.

Specifically, with SVUSD in mind, I hope my legacy is one of empowering students—ensuring they have the tools and skills to navigate life successfully, regardless of the path they choose. I want to leave behind an environment where parents are respected as key partners in their children’s education, where teachers are supported to focus on teaching, and where students have every opportunity to succeed. My mission is to create lasting, positive change that benefits everyone, both in the moment and for the future.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

As a School Board Trustee, my primary responsibility is to make decisions that prioritize students' academic success and overall well-being. I am committed to ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently, directing funds to classrooms and programs that directly impact learning while maintaining fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars.

I also believe it is essential to foster a transparent and collaborative relationship between the district, parents, teachers, and the community. This means keeping lines of communication open, listening to different perspectives, and making sure families are informed and involved in decisions that affect their children’s education.

Additionally, I am dedicated to protecting the personal freedoms of students and families, ensuring that constitutional rights are respected in our schools. Finally, I believe in continually improving what’s working while addressing areas in need of reform, always looking for proactive solutions to better serve our students and community.

Who are your constituents?

As a School Board Trustee, my constituents encompass a wide range of individuals who are all integral to the success of our district. First and foremost, the students are at the heart of every decision I make. Their academic success, safety, and well-being are my top priorities.

Parents are key partners in this process, and I believe they should have a voice in shaping the education their children receive. Teachers and staff also play a critical role, and it’s essential that they have the support and resources necessary to inspire and educate our students. Finally, the broader community, including local businesses and residents, are also my constituents. A strong school district benefits everyone by contributing to the growth, stability, and prosperity of the entire community.

As a Trustee, I will work to serve each of these groups, ensuring that their voices are heard and that we collectively move toward a stronger, more successful school district.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

The diverse needs of our school district are best understood by recognizing that students, faculty, staff, and the broader community each face unique challenges. Some students may require more personalized learning approaches, while others excel and need advanced opportunities. As a Trustee, I will prioritize initiatives that support individualized learning, from additional tutoring services to advanced coursework, ensuring that each student can succeed according to their strengths.

Teachers and staff also have varying needs—from classroom resources to professional development opportunities. I’ll work to ensure they have the stability and tools necessary to focus on delivering high-quality education without being bogged down by unnecessary administrative burdens.

Our community plays an essential role in supporting the district. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and community leaders, we can build programs that enhance student learning and contribute to the well-being of everyone involved. My goal is to create a district that thrives by recognizing and meeting these varying needs head-on, with targeted solutions that benefit all.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Building strong relationships with the broader community is key to a successful school district, and as a School Board Trustee, I will focus on creating meaningful partnerships that benefit our students and schools. Public-private partnerships offer valuable opportunities, and I intend to foster collaborations with local businesses that can provide internships, mentoring, and hands-on learning experiences for students. These connections will give students real-world skills and insights that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

I also see tremendous potential in partnering with non-profit organizations focused on education and youth development. Non-profits can offer support in areas like tutoring, after-school programs, and enrichment activities that enhance student learning and engagement. By tapping into these resources, we can strengthen our district’s offerings without overextending our budget.

Local chambers of commerce and other civic-minded organizations will also be key partners in helping align the needs of our schools with community growth. These groups provide valuable resources, and by working together, we can foster educational programs that support both student success and community development.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching goes beyond simply delivering content—it’s about engaging students, sparking curiosity, and adapting instruction to meet different learning styles. Teachers who can inspire critical thinking, independent problem-solving, and a genuine love of learning exemplify what good teaching looks like. To measure this, we should use a balanced approach, incorporating student performance, classroom observations, and feedback from both students and parents.

When it comes to supporting advanced teaching methods, it’s important to be judicious. While new approaches and innovations can have merit, they must be proven before we consider integrating them. Historically, we have often abandoned proven teaching methods in favor of the next "shiny" or innovative development, sometimes to the detriment of student outcomes. We need to ensure that any advanced teaching method we adopt is backed by data, research, and clear evidence that it will truly improve academic outcomes. Only then should we integrate such methods into our classrooms, providing teachers with the training and support needed for successful implementation.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I believe it’s essential to strike a balance between expanding curriculum to meet modern demands while maintaining a strong foundation in the basics. Core subjects like reading, writing, math, science, history, and civics must remain at the center of our educational efforts. Life skills, such as personal finance, should also be prioritized to ensure students are prepared for adulthood.

Beyond these basics, I see a significant need for expanding Career Technical Education (CTE). Not all students will follow the same path after high school—some will go to college, while others may pursue vocational school, trades, or direct entry into the workforce. By offering advanced technical training and apprenticeships, we can give students the tools they need to succeed in various industries, from technology to manufacturing. CTE programs equip students with practical, employable skills and offer meaningful alternatives to a four-year college degree.

Additionally, I support partnerships with local businesses to create internships and mentorship opportunities, allowing students to gain real-world experience while still in school. This combination of a solid foundation in the basics and expanded technical opportunities ensures that all students, regardless of their post-high school plans, are prepared for success.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

To ensure our schools are properly funded, we must take a strategic, multi-faceted approach. First, increasing the academic performance of our schools is key. Higher-performing schools are more attractive to families, which can help bolster enrollment and the district’s overall funding. By focusing on improving academic outcomes, we can draw more families into the district, contributing to both student success and financial stability.

Addressing chronic absenteeism is another critical factor. The district’s funding is tied to average daily attendance (ADA), so by working to reduce absenteeism, we can ensure that we are maximizing the dollars allocated to our schools. Engaging parents and students to address absenteeism will help ensure academic success while securing essential funding.

Additionally, ensuring our schools are properly funded requires a combination of financial transparency, efficiency, and resourcefulness. We need to make sure the budget is allocated efficiently by minimizing waste and directing funds where they make the most impact—into classrooms and student programs. A reassessment of SVUSD's needs and vendor contracts will ensure we are receiving the most-favored terms and full services contracted, helping to optimize resources for both academic and operational success.

I would also advocate for pursuing additional state and federal funding opportunities and grants to supplement local resources. Public-private partnerships and collaborations with local businesses can provide valuable financial support and resources. By ensuring financial accountability, exploring diverse funding options, and improving academic outcomes, we can create a sustainable funding model that supports long-term success for our schools.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

Safety in schools is non-negotiable, and my policies are driven by the principles of prevention, preparedness, and community involvement. Prevention means addressing potential safety risks proactively, whether it’s through physical security measures like secure entrances or through mental health support for students. Preparedness involves ensuring that staff, students, and parents are equipped to respond to emergencies, with regular training and drills. Finally, community involvement means engaging parents, teachers, and local law enforcement in open communication and collaboration to create a comprehensive safety plan that ensures our schools are secure environments for learning.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

• Don Wagner, Orange County Supervisor

• Young Kim, United States Representative
• Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Superintendent of Schools
• Orange County Board of Education Trustees: Dr. Lisa Sparks, Ken L. Williams, Jr., Jorge Valdes, Mari Barke, and Tim Shaw
• California Charter School Association Advocates
• Great Public Schools PAC
• Andrew Hamilton, Orange County Auditor Controller
• Scott Voigts & Doug Cirbo, Lake Forest Council Members

• Dwight Robinson, Former Lake Forest Mayor

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment is one that is distraction-free, allowing teachers to fully focus on teaching and students to fully focus on learning. This includes limiting phone and device use to educational purposes only, at the discretion of the teacher. It’s important to foster student professionalism—encouraging respect, collaboration, and accountability. This type of environment not only supports academic growth but also prepares students for success beyond the classroom.

Equipping teachers with modern instructional technology is essential. By providing educators with the tools they need to enhance lessons and engage students, we create a more dynamic and effective learning environment. Additionally, introducing students to the technologies they will one day use in the workforce ensures they are well-prepared for future careers.

Finally, a consistent disciplinary strategy is critical for maintaining a positive and safe space. Clear, fair discipline, enforced consistently, helps create an environment where both teaching and learning can thrive.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

I believe that in March 2020, the initial steps the district took were necessary, given the uncertainty we were all facing. The lack of technological infrastructure and training for an immediate shift to largescale online learning was understandable, and the district did its best under difficult circumstances.

However, the lowered academic standards during this period were unwarranted. By the start of the 2020-2021 school year, we had gained enough knowledge to safely reintroduce in-person learning, yet SVUSD was too slow to act. Additionally, the minimal amount of instruction provided during online learning in 2020-2021 was a significant contributing factor to the learning loss many students experienced. This loss is now well studied, documented, and a reality for our students. As a parent of a child affected by this disruption, I can speak firsthand to the lack of effective measures to address the loss. Many students, including those who have graduated, are still feeling the effects of an incomplete education.

Moving forward, we must ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of all parties—students, families, and teachers—in mind. This includes having the necessary technological infrastructure, maintaining high academic standards, and making data-driven decisions in a timely manner. We must also proactively address learning loss by providing targeted support for students, ensuring they have the tools and resources to recover and succeed.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

Acknowledging parental authority is fundamental to building a strong, trusting relationship with parents. As the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives, parents deserve to be actively involved in their children’s education. I will prioritize open communication with parents, ensuring they are informed about key decisions and policies. By encouraging participation in engaged PTAs, we can work closely with parents to harness the strength of their involvement in supporting school programs and improving educational outcomes. I will also encourage greater parent participation in school events and activities, recognizing the value of their contributions to the school community.

When students are struggling academically or otherwise, I will work collaboratively with parents to develop solutions that address those challenges. Engaging parents early and often will allow us to better support students and provide the resources they need to succeed. Additionally, parents play a critical role in addressing issues like chronic absenteeism. I will seek to engage parents in district-wide efforts to improve attendance, recognizing that their involvement is crucial to addressing this issue, which impacts both academic achievement and the fiscal health of SVUSD.

By fostering an environment of collaboration, encouraging participation, and respecting parental authority, we can build a stronger, more successful district that supports both students and families.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

Recruiting the best faculty, staff, and administrators requires a multi-pronged approach. First, we need to focus on attracting talent by showcasing our district as a place that values educators and offers professional growth opportunities. Competitive compensation, stability in curriculum demands, and reducing administrative burdens are key strategies to making our district a desirable place to work.

Additionally, partnering with universities and education-focused organizations can help us identify promising candidates early. Retention is equally important, so supporting staff with ongoing development, mentorship, and clear paths for advancement will help maintain a high-quality workforce.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable for any public office. When it comes to education, we owe it to taxpayers, parents, and students to ensure every dollar is spent wisely and directly supports academic success. Financial transparency builds trust within the community by allowing people to see exactly how their money is being used and ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently.

Government accountability means holding leaders responsible for the decisions they make. It’s not enough to follow the status quo—true accountability means challenging ineffective practices, addressing waste, and finding better ways to manage resources. As a School Board Trustee, I will prioritize clear reporting, regular audits, and open communication to ensure that the district’s financial health is maintained and that decisions are made with the best interests of students and the community in mind.

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024

[1]

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Michael Stannard

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board Area 4

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2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

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