Sonia Terwiske

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

Sonia Terwiske

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Biola University

Personal

Profession

Business

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Sonia Terwiske ran for election to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees to represent Area 5 in California. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

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

Biography

Sonia Terwiske earned a bachelor's degree from Biola University. Her career experience includes working in business. She has been affiliated with American Youth Soccer Organization, Aliso Viejo; Kiwanis, Aliso Viejo; and Mothers of Preschool and School Aged Kids (MOPS).

Elections

2024

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

General election

General election for Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Trustee Area 5

Incumbent Krista Castellanos defeated Sonia Terwiske in the general election for Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Trustee Area 5 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Krista Castellanos (Nonpartisan)	57.6	12,267
	Submit photo	Sonia Terwiske (Nonpartisan)	42.4	9,033

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 21,300
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Terwiske's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Terwiske in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Sonia Terwiske completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Terwiske's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For Families, For Children.

In California, 84% of parents believe that parents' rights are being undermined by the Schools and School Boards. Sonia is one of those 84% of parents.

Sonia legally immigrated from India at the age of 12. Through her parents, Sonia learned that anyone with discipline, hard work, and good education can follow their dreams and achieve economic prosperity.

Sonia received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Biola University. Sonia has spent a decade in the business world before going on to work in public space and shaping policy. Working in the U.S. House of Representatives, Sonia has strong research and outreach skills, especially in health, education, and business.

The Terwiske Family loves living in Aliso Viejo and chose to call Aliso Viejo their home because of its excellent schools, beautiful trails, and proximity to the world's best beaches.

Like most parents, Sonia wants to give her children the opportunity to succeed, and that starts with receiving high-quality education.

Living in India for 12 years, Sonia not only speaks 5 languages but understands what it takes to ensure our children can compete in the global economy.

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?

• Academics over political agenda:

  Politics is one thing and academics another. Leave politics out of schools.

  The number one priority of schools should be to educate children with strong academic skills so that they can succeed as adults in the professional world or move on to the best universities in the Country.

  The School Board must be held accountable for ensuring that robust curriculum is implemented along with resources needed for all students: special needs, advanced skills, athletic or artistic interests.
• Parents' Rights & Communication: Current Area 5 Trustee voted to withhold information from parents. She supports gender transitioning of students without letting the parents know. For Sonia this was a NO-NO. Parents MUST be notified of any changes in child's physical, mental, or emotional health or academic performance. Parents have the right to know any and all things about their minor children.
• Campus Safety When children feel safe, they can shift their attention attention to learning. We must ensure a safe, secure learning environment for students and teachers. Sonia believes in 0 tolerance policy when it comes to drugs, violence, and bullying. In addition, teachers should be able to hold students accountable.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education \n Nutrition \n Health \n Business

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

Integrity: Do what you say, say what you do.
Transparency: American People deserve to know how their taxes are utilized.

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

I am slow to get offended and open to conversations with anyone and everyone. I truly believe in listening and firmly hold on to the fact that representation matters. In order to represent, we MUST listen to the constituents first.

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

School Board MUST reflect the values and priorities of the Community, of the Area.

Sonia will always advocate for the families and children of Aliso Viejo.

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

6.2 Earthquake in Gujarat, India

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

Sizzler's Restaurant. 2.5 years

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

Wildflowers and Wild Horses by Lainey Wilson

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

To represent its families and children.

Who are your constituents?

Aliso Viejo residents and some Laguna Niguel Residents.

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

Of the many things I hope to accomplish, I would ensure that parents who are not fluent in English are informed and involved in their child's educational journey. Often, parents who do not speak fluent English shy away from involvement even if they want to. I would hope to connect with them and in fact, urge our teachers to connect with them.

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

My background is in community outreach. I already meet with various groups and listen to them, strategize together to find solutions, and respond strategically. I will bring the same level of commitment to School Board.

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

Catering to every child constitutes good teaching. Each child needs to be attended to as every child must receive good education.

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?

Advanced Curriculum
Special Needs Programs and Assistance

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

School buildings need more than a facelift. Many schools in Aliso Viejo have not been attended to since 1995.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

I would like to consult with parents first.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

I would like to consult with parents first.

Tell us your favorite joke.

My favorite jokes are the corny and cheesy ones and I would never put that on Ballotpedia! I wish we had more clean comedy like Seinfeld today.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

Curriculum, Communication with Parents, and Safety

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Aliso Viejo Councilman Max Duncan, Aliso Viejo Mayor Mike Munzing, Congresswoman Michelle Steel, Congresswoman Young Kim, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Entire Orange County Board of Education, CWLA PAC, OCGOP

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

20 students: 1 teacher (small class sizes)

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

Poorly. Even after the state had loosened the policies on Covid-19, the current Trustee had not and in fact went against the parents' wishes.

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

I will reach out to parents via phone calls, letters, events, and ask for their input. Listen to their experiences and input. My number one job is to listen and advocate for families and children.

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

Recruit teachers from within the area to ensure a better quality of life which eventually results in higher teacher satisfaction.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

American People deserve to know how their taxes are utilized. We must make sure that our people have easy access to government finances and expenses.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Trustee Area 5

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