Nancy Watkins (California)

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Nancy Watkins

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

University of California at Santa Barbara, 1987

Graduate

Claremont Graduate University, 1994

Ph.D

University of California and Cal State Fullerton, 2008

Personal

Birthplace

Englewood, N.J.

Profession

Educator

Contact

Campaign website

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Nancy Watkins ran for election to the Orange County Board of Education to represent District 3 in California. She lost in the primary on March 5, 2024.

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

Biography

Nancy Watkins was born in Englewood, New Jersey. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1987, a graduate degree from Claremont Graduate University in 1994, and a Ph.D. from the University of California and Cal State Fullerton in 2008. Her career experience includes working as an educator. She has been affiliated with the League of Women Voters and Supporters of Public Education.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Orange County, California (2024)

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Orange County Board of Education District 3

Incumbent Ken Williams Jr. won election outright against Nancy Watkins in the primary for Orange County Board of Education District 3 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Ken Williams Jr. (Nonpartisan)	53.1	68,612
		Nancy Watkins (Nonpartisan)	46.9	60,653

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 129,265
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Watkins in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Nancy Watkins, I am an educator, dedicated mother, and passionate champion for top-tier public education. I am prepared to provide our education community with a new perspective.

With over 30 years of experience working in classrooms, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting students and collaborating with parents and taxpayers. I will fight to ensure our students are proficient in core subjects like math, science, and reading, with access and opportunities to electives. My top priority is to prepare students to meet their potential and thrive in the future job market.

I have been married to Dr. Daryl Watkins for 28 years. He is a leadership coach, an author, an F-18/A pilot, and a Navy veteran. Together, we have raised three sons and have shown that family values and a strong sense of purpose can go hand in hand.

I am an educator, but this is my first time running for public office. As an educator, I have deep knowledge of the challenges in our education system, including research that supports solutions. As a professor of educational leadership, I teach and research educational policy. These experiences qualify me to serve on the County Board of Education and ensure good governance, fiscal responsibility, and quality education 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?

• Support strong, safe, effective schools
• Fiscal responsibility and good governance
• Quality education for all students

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about the role of education in students' and families' lives. Public schools play a central role in developing and sustaining our democracy and providing value for the community. Young people spend critical cognitive and social years in school, learning about themselves, others, and the world. I advocate for excellence in public education for all students to receive a high-quality education that prepares them for their future.

I support policies that provide school safety measures, including security protocols, emergency response plans, and mental health support to create a secure and nurturing learning environment for all students.

I support policies that ensure all students have equal and equitable access to quality education regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, gender, or location.

I support policies that maintain and enhance the quality of education to ensure that students receive authentic, well-rounded, and effective learning experiences.

I support policies that recognize the importance of early childhood education in a child's development and provide access to quality preschool and early education programs with a strong emphasis on child safety.

I support policies to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support and accommodations they need to succeed in school.

I support offering vocational and technical education programs to prepare students for careers in industries and trades.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother. She is a strong, creative, intelligent woman who worked in civil service and is dedicated to serving the public. My mother is a role model for me as someone who aspires to make a positive impact on society through my actions and advocacy.

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

Elected officials hold a position of public trust and responsibility, and there are several important characteristics and principles that are crucial for them to effectively serve their constituents and uphold the democratic values of their office. These include

• Transparency
  
• Representation
  
• Fairness and Justice
  
• Empathy
  
• Listening Skills
  
• Integrity
  
• Commitment to Democracy
  
  

Elected officials should be coalition builders and serve constituents

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

My professional life is dedicated to education. As a teacher, administrator, professor, researcher,

and policymaker, I have the unique experience of understanding the system from the inside.
I am qualified not only because of my education and degrees but because of my deep knowledge,
understanding, and care for quality education.

I have vision, confidence, adaptability, empathy, integrity, and commitment to serve as an education official.

Currently, no educators sit on the OCBE. I will be a bridge between families, practitioners, and elected

officials.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The OC Board of Education serves the most vulnerable students in Orange County. Trustees in this office must put students and families first as they work to ensure appropriate curriculum, safe schools, effective teaching and learning, fiscal responsibility, and quality education for all.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I have a clear memory of was the first moon landing in 1969. I was four years old and sitting on my uncle's shoulder as my entire family watched the event on our small black-and-white television in the living room. It is a powerful memory because it demonstrates doing something people thought was impossible and sets the stage for future innovation.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I have a strong work ethic and began babysitting as soon as I could. I was 14 years old when I first started working for a pizza restaurant, and I continued in the restaurant business through college. After college, I started my first teaching position. I have remained an educator for my entire career.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

This is a book that offers inspiration, hope, and a reminder of the importance of pursuing one's dreams.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman!

Wonder Woman possesses incredible physical strength and resilience. She can endure and overcome challenging situations, making her a symbol of determination and fortitude.

She fearlessly confronts adversity and stands up for justice. Her unwavering courage in the face of danger can be inspiring to those who want to face their own fears and challenges with bravery.

While she is a formidable warrior, Wonder Woman also demonstrates deep compassion and empathy for others. She cares about the well-being of humanity and strives to protect and uplift those in need.

Wonder Woman is often portrayed as an ambassador for peace and diplomacy. Her commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully and promoting understanding can serve as a model for peaceful conflict resolution in real life.

Wonder Woman is often depicted as a natural leader, capable of uniting and inspiring those around her. Her leadership qualities can inspire individuals to take on leadership roles and make positive changes in their communities.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Whatever It Takes, by Imagine Dragons

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

The primary job of an Orange County Board of Education Trustee is to oversee and govern the public education system within their jurisdiction. This includes the most vulnerable students in Orange County.

Trustees often serve as a bridge between the county schools and the community, gathering input from parents, students, and other stakeholders and representing their interests in the decision-making process.

Trustees should promote educational equity and ensure that all students have access to quality education.

Who are your constituents?

While this position serves constituents in Area 3 (Brea, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Villa Park, Orange, North Tustin, portions of Irvine, into the Canyons), once elected as a trustee, I will serve all residents in Orange County.

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

I would actively engage with the community to gather input and feedback on issues related to diversity and inclusion. Town hall meetings, surveys, and open forums would be used to foster dialogue and collaboration.

Building strong partnerships with parents and community organizations is essential. These collaborations can help address specific needs and provide additional resources for students.

I would work to ensure that resources, including funding, staff, and educational materials, are allocated equitably across all schools and communities within the district to address disparities and provide equal opportunities for all students.

Ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and accommodations is a top priority. I would advocate for high-quality special education programs and resources.

I would work to create a safe and inclusive school environment where all students feel respected and protected from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.

Recognizing the importance of mental health, I would advocate for accessible mental health services and resources within schools to address the unique needs of students from diverse backgrounds.

I look forward to visiting school sites and meeting with students, families, and educators to learn more about their organizations and needs.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

When developing policies for safety in schools, several key principles should guide the decision-making process to ensure the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and the entire school community.

The safety and well-being of students should be the primary focus of all policies. Every decision should prioritize creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students.

Policies should emphasize prevention and early intervention strategies to identify and address potential safety concerns before they escalate into serious incidents.

Effective safety policies involve collaboration and open communication among school administrators, teachers, students, parents, law enforcement, and community organizations. These stakeholders should work together to create a comprehensive safety plan.

Schools should have policies in place to prepare for various types of crises, including natural disasters, emergencies, and incidents of violence. These policies should outline response protocols and communication strategies.

Engaging with the broader community is vital to ensure that safety policies align with the values and expectations of the community. Input from parents, community leaders, and local law enforcement can be invaluable.

Recognizing that students of different ages have different developmental needs, policies should take into account age-appropriate approaches to safety.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Elected Officials

Vincente Sarmiento, Supervisor, Orange County Board of Supervisors
Josh Newman, State Senator, CA State Senate, SD 29
Dave Min, State Senator, CA State Senate, SD 37
Allyson Muñiz Damikolas, Trustee Tustin, USD, Candidate, HOR 40th District (CA-40)
Tammy Kim, Vice Mayor, City of Irvine
Dom Jones, Candidate, Assembly District 72


Organizations
California Teachers Association (CTA)
Orange County Labor Federation
Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties
Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters
Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE)
Women in Leadership (WIL)
Association of Placentia Linda Educators
CSEA, Brea Olinda, Chapter 207
CSEA, OC Department of Education, Chapter 468
Teamsters Joint Council 42
National Women’s Political Caucus OC

Our Schools USA

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Orange County Board of Education District 3

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