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Scott Miller (California)

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Scott Miller
Image of Scott Miller

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments
Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Mather High School

Associate

Excelsior University, 2017

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Personal
Profession
Executive
Contact

Campaign website

Scott Miller ran for election to the Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board to represent Trustee Area 2 in California. Miller lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

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

Biography

Scott Miller served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Miller earned a high school diploma from Mather High School and an associate degree from Excelsior University in 2017. He also attended Mt. San Jacinto College. Miller's career experience includes working as an executive and information security officer.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Saddleback Valley Unified School District, California, elections (2024)

General election

General election for Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board Area 2

Michele Sparks defeated Scott Miller in the general election for Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board Area 2 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Michele Sparks
Michele Sparks (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
52.5
 
10,260
Image of Scott Miller
Scott Miller (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
47.5
 
9,282

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 19,542
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Miller in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released October 8, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

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

Expand all | Collapse all

Hello, I’m Scott Miller.

As the grandson of Jewish and Lithuanian immigrants, I was raised on the north side of Chicago by hardworking parents who juggled two jobs to make ends meet. From a young age, I learned the value of perseverance. By fourth grade, I was waking up at 4 a.m. to deliver The Chicago Sun-Times and The Chicago Tribune, earning $2 a day and taking pride in the discipline and responsibility it required.

In high school, I stayed active, playing four years of baseball and two years of football. After graduation, I felt a strong call to serve, joining the United States Marine Corps. After combat training at Camp Pendleton, I served for four years with honor before returning to civilian life, where I embarked on careers in aviation and information technology.

Family has always been my foundation. I was married for 31 years, raising a blended family of six children, before becoming a widower. In 2023, I was blessed to remarry, and together with my wife, we cherish our eight grandchildren.

My public service journey began in 2010 when I was elected to the San Jacinto City Council, where I served two terms and became mayor. I had the privilege of working on budgets of all sizes, including managing a $1.6 billion transportation project.

Today, as a Laguna Hills Traffic Commissioner, I’m running for Saddleback Valley Unified School District Area 2 Trustee. With my experience, I’m ready to ensure our students succeed. Thank you for your support.

Scott Miller
  • Our School District needs leadership rooted in real-world experience. As an elected official, I worked with the Assembly, Senate, and Congress to advocate for the community’s needs, delivering real results by balancing budgets without raising taxes.
  • Our School District is deficit spending, rapidly depleting its reserves. In contrast, as a mayor and regional county leader, I have successfully balanced multimillion and billion-dollar government budgets.
  • As a parent, stepparent, and grandparent, I understand the needs of our school district and recognizes the critical importance of providing a quality education for all children.n As mayor, I collaborated closely with the school district superintendent to ensure the safety and security of our school campuses.
I am deeply committed to advancing public policies that uphold fundamental rights and promote equality for all. First and foremost, I believe in protecting the rights of individuals to live and express themselves freely, without undue interference, while safeguarding the innocence of children and ensuring the well-being of our senior citizens.

I also advocate for policies that treat immigrants with dignity and respect, recognizing their contributions to our communities and upholding their human rights. Above all, I am passionate about policies that ensure every American is treated equally, regardless of race, religion, or economic status. Equality and fairness must be at the core of our nation's values.
I've always admired those who take time out of their busy schedules to mentor and offer encouragement to people who have faced struggles in life. I was fortunate enough to have someone like that in my own life—someone who consistently made time for me and was intentional about speaking positivity and hope into my life, even when I received none of that support from my own family. Those acts of mentorship left a lasting impact on me, and as an adult, I’ve made it my mission to do the same for others—especially those who have been overlooked or cast aside by society.
Schindler's List tells the powerful, true story of a man who risked everything to save those who couldn’t save themselves. In the face of unimaginable cruelty, Oskar Schindler used his influence and resources to protect the weak and innocent, giving a voice to those who had none. His story reminds us of a profound truth: if we remain silent in the face of injustice, those who are most vulnerable will be forgotten, and their humanity disregarded. It is our responsibility to stand up for the voiceless, or the world will turn its back on them, and their worth will be lost forever.
The characteristics and principles that are most important for an elected official are the ones I strive to live by. Integrity, Accountability, Empathy, Vision, Commitment to Equality, Communication Skills, Transparency, Problem-Solving Ability: Adaptability, Service-Oriented. Above all, an elected official must be dedicated to serving the public interest, putting the needs and welfare of the community above personal or political gain.
I've always naturally gravitated toward leadership roles, and my time in the Marine Corps only reinforced this. I quickly learned how to assess problems and find the right resources to create effective solutions—a skill that came naturally to me. As mayor, one of my trademarks was building bridges between people who were at odds with one another, fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts. Whether in service or in office, leadership has always been about understanding challenges and uniting people to overcome them.
The core responsibilities of a school board member are vital to ensuring the success and well-being of both students and the educational system as a whole. Here are my key responsibilities. Setting the Vision and Goals, Policy Development and Oversight, Budget and Resource Management, Hiring and Evaluating the Superintendent, Advocating for Students and Families, Ensuring Accountability and Transparency, Community Engagement, Promoting Equity and Inclusion, Overseeing Facilities and Infrastructure, Fostering Student Achievement. Ultimately, the board is responsible for fostering an environment where student achievement is prioritized. This involves setting high academic standards, promoting programs that support student growth, and ensuring that the district’s policies and initiatives lead to positive educational outcomes. By focusing on these responsibilities, a school board member plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of education within the district, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
My greatest hope for a legacy is to leave the world better than I found it. We achieve this by living a life of service—making time for others and being fully present when someone needs us. There's no question that the most meaningful way to make a lasting impact is by loving God and loving people. It’s through these simple, yet powerful, actions that we can truly change the world and leave behind a legacy that endures.
At just 7 years old, I watched in awe as the Apollo space mission successfully landed a man on the moon. That historic moment captured my imagination, and from then on, I dreamed of becoming both an astronaut and a pilot. Now, at 62 years old, I’m proud to say that I’ve finally realized part of that childhood dream—I’ve become a pilot.
During my time in high school, I started out earning $1.65 an hour at McDonald's. After a few months, I was fortunate enough to find a better-paying opportunity, moving on to a job where I earned $1.85 an hour.
the Bible, as it teaches me and guides me through the details of life. To love God and love people.
Superman, always helping those who can't defend themselves.
Don't Stop Believing by Journey
My greatest struggle in life has been overcoming poor eating habits. Now, at 62, I’ve transformed my lifestyle, shedding 100 pounds and greatly improving my health in the process, ultimately extending my life. I’m incredibly grateful for this journey and the positive impact it’s had on my well-being.
The primary job of a school board member is to ensure that the district's schools provide high-quality education and serve the best interests of students and the community. School board members do this by setting strategic direction, establishing policies, and overseeing the district's operations. A school board member acts as a steward of public education, ensuring the district is focused on providing equitable, high-quality learning opportunities for all students.
As a school board member, your constituents include a diverse group of individuals and communities directly impacted by the decisions I make. In short, my constituents are all individuals and groups who have a vested interest in the quality of education and the effective operation of the district.
As a school board member, supporting the diverse needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community requires a commitment to inclusive policies, equitable resource allocation, and ongoing engagement with all stakeholders. By focusing on equity, inclusion, and open communication, you can ensure that the diverse needs of your district's students, faculty, staff, and community are not only recognized but addressed in meaningful ways.
As a school board member and community oversight leader, building strong relationships with members of the broader community is essential for fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration. By actively engaging with various community members, staying transparent, and being visible in local events and discussions, I can build meaningful relationships based on trust and collaboration. These relationships will help ensure that the broader community feels connected to, and invested in, the school district’s success.
As a school board member, building relationships with a wide range of groups, organizations, and stakeholders is critical to ensuring a well-rounded, inclusive approach to governance. Here’s my key groups for relationship building: Parents and Guardians, Parent-Teacher Associations, Parent Advocacy Groups, Teachers, Staff, Students and Student Organizations, Student Councils and Leadership Groups, Youth Advocacy Organizations, Local Business Leaders and Chambers of Commerce, Nonprofit Organizations and Community Groups, Religious and Faith-Based Organizations, Local Government Officials and Agencies, City Councils and County Governments, Law Enforcement and First Responders, Higher Education Institutions, State and Federal Education Representatives, Community and Advocacy Groups. By focusing on these groups and stakeholders, you will be able to build a comprehensive network of relationships that helps your school district thrive, supports students and families, and aligns the district’s work with broader community goals. These partnerships will create a more engaged, inclusive, and effective school district.
Good teaching is the foundation of student success, characterized by the ability to inspire, engage, and address the diverse needs of learners. It encompasses key elements such as clear communication, adaptability, and creating a positive, inclusive learning environment. Effective teachers set clear learning objectives, deliver engaging, student-centered lessons, and offer continuous feedback. By differentiating instruction to accommodate varied learning styles, abilities, and interests, teachers ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.

A vital aspect of good teaching is relationship-building. Teachers who foster strong, trusting relationships with students create emotionally safe spaces where learners feel valued and motivated. Classroom management, setting high expectations, and adjusting teaching strategies based on real-time assessments are crucial in promoting active student engagement and maintaining a productive learning atmosphere. Moreover, teachers who reflect on their practice and engage in professional development demonstrate a commitment to their own growth, which directly benefits their students.
In today's increasingly globalized world, our students are not just competing with their peers locally or nationally, but with talented young people from across the globe for American jobs. To prepare them for this reality, it is crucial that we strengthen and expand our technology, medical, and engineering curriculums. These fields are at the forefront of innovation and economic growth, and they represent some of the most promising career opportunities for our students. By enhancing our educational programs in these areas, we can spark interest and attract more students to consider careers in these vital industries.

One of the key ways to achieve this is by partnering with leading companies in the technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors. By working closely with these industries, we can develop high school-level internship programs that provide students with hands-on, real-world experience. These internships will not only give students a clearer understanding of what these careers entail, but also provide them with valuable skills that will make them more competitive in the job market.

Additionally, fostering these partnerships can lead to the creation of industry-supported higher education scholarships for students who are pursuing degrees in these fields. Scholarships tied to in-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering will incentivize students to continue their education in these high-growth areas, helping to build a pipeline of talent that benefits both students and the industries themselves.

To make this vision a reality, we must collaborate across sectors—between educators, industry leaders, and policymakers—to ensure that our students are receiving the education and opportunities they need to succeed. By strengthening our curricula, forming meaningful industry partnerships, and creating pathways for students through internships and scholarships, we can empower the next generation to compete effectively on the global stage.
Ensuring that schools are adequately funded is essential for providing a high-quality education and improving student outcomes. Here are several strategies and plans to secure proper funding for schools:

1. Advocate for Increased State and Federal Funding:
2. Maximize Local Funding:
3. Promote Budget Efficiency:
4. Diversify Revenue Streams:
5. Engage the Community in Budget Discussions:

By implementing these strategies, schools can enhance their funding, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to provide quality education and support their students effectively.
As a school board member, the principles that drive policies for safety in schools must prioritize both the physical and emotional well-being of students, staff, and the broader school community. Here are the key guiding principles:

1. Comprehensive Prevention and Preparedness:
2. Inclusive and Equitable Safety for All Students:
3. Collaborative Engagement:
4. Balanced Security and Welcoming Environment:
5. Continuous Review and Adaptation:

In summary, school safety policies should prioritize prevention, inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while balancing security with a supportive learning environment. These principles provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the well-being of everyone in the school community.
As a school board member, I play a crucial role in shaping policies that support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff. Here are several key ways I can contribute to a positive and supportive mental health environment in schools:

1. Advocate for Comprehensive Mental Health Services:
2. Promote Mental Health Awareness and Education:
3. Develop Peer Support Programs:
4. Implement Flexible Policies that Promote Well-Being:
5. Provide Mental Health Resources and Partnerships:
6. Foster a Positive School Climate:
7. Regularly Assess Mental Health Needs:

By advancing these strategies, I play a pivotal role in promoting mental health within the school system. Prioritizing well-being will not only help improve academic performance but also foster a healthier, more resilient school environment for everyone involved.
Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Because he was outstanding in his field!
As a school district, we have a responsibility to ensure that our policies align with the educational goals of our community and the financial expectations of our taxpayers. To achieve this, a comprehensive audit of all district policies is essential. This process will ensure that our decisions are driven by a commitment to educational excellence while remaining fiscally responsible.

A full review of district policies will help us identify areas where we can improve alignment with the needs and aspirations of our students, parents, and educators. It will allow us to evaluate whether current policies are truly supporting the success of our students and promoting a high-quality learning environment. We need to ensure that every policy serves a clear purpose, supports student achievement, and reflects the values of our community.

At the same time, we must recognize the financial commitment our taxpayers make to the district. They deserve to know that their contributions are being used efficiently and responsibly. An audit of our policies will help us assess whether we are maximizing resources, eliminating waste, and ensuring that funds are being directed to areas that have the greatest impact on student learning. This is not just about cutting costs; it’s about making sure every dollar invested in our schools is being used in the most effective and meaningful way.

By conducting this comprehensive audit, we will also create greater transparency and accountability within the district. Parents, educators, and taxpayers will have a clear understanding of how decisions are made and how resources are allocated. This transparency builds trust and confidence in the district’s ability to meet the needs of its students while managing taxpayer resources wisely.

Ultimately, the goal is to create policies that are not only in line with the educational goals of our parents but are also financially sustainable.
Congresswoman Young Kim

Orange County Board of Education Superintendent:
Dr. Stefan Bean
Orange County Board of Education Trustees:
Dr. Lisa Sparks
Dr. Ken Williams
Mari Barke
Tim Shaw
Jorge Valdes
Laguna Hills Mayor David Wheeler
Laguna Hills Mayor Pro-Tem Joshua Sweeney
Laguna Hills City Council Member Janine Heft
Laguna Hills City Council Member Don Caskey
Laguna Hills City Council Member Erica Pezold
San Jacinto City Council Member Crystal Ruiz
San Jacinto City Council Member Alonso Ledesma

San Jacinto Commissioner John Gagnepain
An ideal learning environment for students is a space—both physical and emotional—where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to engage in meaningful learning. It’s an environment designed to foster curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students.

In essence, an ideal learning environment is one where students feel empowered to take risks, explore their potential, and thrive both academically and personally. It is a space that not only prioritizes academic achievement but also nurtures emotional well-being, social skills, and lifelong learning habits.
As a parent and candidate for the school board, I understand the challenges and frustrations our school district faced during the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, many parents felt left in the dark, with limited communication about what their children should be doing during remote learning and uncertainty about the timeline for returning to in-person school. Clear communication and proactive planning were lacking, which created confusion and anxiety for students, parents, and educators alike.

In light of these experiences, I am committed to ensuring that future situations are handled with greater clarity, transparency, and support. Here's what I would advocate for:
1. Improved Communication:
2. Proactive Planning and Flexibility:
3. Parent Involvement and Feedback:
4. Supporting Students and Teachers:
Future planning must include comprehensive support systems for both students and teachers. This means ensuring access to necessary technology and resources for remote learning, offering mental health support, and providing professional development for teachers to adapt to new learning environments. Supporting the well-being of students and staff is crucial in navigating any crisis.

By prioritizing these actions, I believe we can handle future challenges more effectively, ensuring that students’ education continues smoothly, and parents feel informed and empowered. My goal is to create a school district that is better prepared, more transparent, and fully responsive to the needs of our families.
Building a strong relationship with parents in your school district is essential for fostering trust, communication, and collaboration. Here are my strategies to engage and connect with parents: Establish Open Communication Channels, Regular Updates, Dedicated Contact Information, Host Informative Events, Parent Workshops, Town Hall Meetings, Be Present in Schools and Community Events, Participate in School Functions, Community Involvement, Create Parent Advisory Committees, Be Transparent and Accountable, Share Decision-Making Processes, Address Concerns Publicly, Educate myself on Parent Concerns, Encourage Parent Leadership. By implementing these strategies, I can build strong, positive relationships with parents in my district, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in the educational process. This collaboration will contribute to a supportive and engaged school community, ultimately benefiting students and enhancing their educational experience.
To ensure the continued success of Saddleback Valley USD, it is essential that we recruit only the highest caliber of professionals for our district. Our faculty, staff, and administrators are the foundation of our educational mission and the day-to-day operations that support it. Therefore, our recruitment efforts must be guided by the insights of seasoned educators and administrators who understand the unique qualities—such as personality, experience, and commitment—that define top-tier talent.

I am committed to conducting a comprehensive search, both locally and nationwide, to identify professionals who not only align with our values but are also excited about the opportunity to build a rewarding career with Saddleback Valley USD. By strategically reaching out to areas where we can engage with the best candidates, we will attract individuals who are ready to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our district.
Our nation’s strength lies in the trust between the government and its people, but without financial transparency and accountability, that bond weakens. If the public cannot see how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent, we risk losing the very foundation of our democracy. When resources intended to support essential public services—like education, infrastructure, and healthcare—are misused or hidden from view, the fabric of our society starts to unravel.

To ensure trust in government, there must be full visibility into the processes that allocate and spend public funds. Citizens deserve to know that their contributions are being used exactly as promised—to improve the lives of all Americans. Unrestricted transparency in government operations isn't just a nice-to-have; it’s a safeguard. And with that transparency, there must also be consequences for any misuse of public trust, ensuring that those who fail to uphold their responsibility are held accountable.

In the end, it’s simple: transparency builds trust, and trust strengthens the nation. Without it, we risk slowly eroding the values that keep us united.

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External links

Candidate

Saddleback Valley Unified School District school board Area 2
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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
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