Andrea Yamasaki, who represents Trustee Area 1 on the Orange Unified Board of Education, is seeking re-election on Nov. 3.
According to her campaign website, Yamasaki first became involved in education as a parent, attending meetings, chairing committees, and volunteering at school events before expanding into leadership roles. She ran for the board in 2016 in a special election.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended public schools from kindergarten through high school. Her family operated small businesses in which she grew up helping. She got her first job at the age of 13 at a gift shop. While studying at California State L.A., she worked at a nonprofit where she met her future husband, who came in to volunteer. She later worked in the publishing industry at Self and Vogue magazines.
In 1995, Yamasaki and her husband Tom made Orange their home. They later moved to Anaheim Hills, where they currently reside. When her first child was born, they made the decision for her to stay home to raise their children while he fulfilled his extensive work and military travel commitments. Yamasaki raised her family here and watched her three children graduate from OUSD.
Tom is a retired lieutenant colonel who served outside of the U.S. post- 9/11. During his service, the school community provided vital support to their family, a gesture Yamasaki has never forgotten.
Beyond her volunteer work, Yamasaki enjoys traveling, playing the piano, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She believes that traveling is a vital part of growth, compassion, and peace.
“As an Orange Unified School District parent to three students, I have seen first-hand how every board decision ripples through our community, impacting 25,000 students and their families,” she said in a statement. “That perspective is what drove me to step up and run for the OUSD board more than a decade ago, and it’s what keeps me showing up today.
“Whether it’s advocating for student resources, better facilities, championing sound and responsible policies, or volunteering in the community, my approach is rooted in one idea: when we give generously and serve with heart, we build a community that is stronger, kinder, and happier for everyone.
“Because my three children completed their entire K-12 education in OUSD, I bring a parent’s voice to the boardroom, one shaped by living through preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, and with all the opportunities and challenges those experiences bring.
“I know what it means to sit across the table from a teenager wondering about their future. I know how much need there is for college and career counseling, and how much it matters for students to have challenging coursework as well as diverse extracurricular activities available to them. I know how important it is for students to feel connected. My goals for our district continue to be reflected by these experiences.
“I take my role as an OUSD Board member seriously and with great honor. I regularly visit schools, attend student performances and athletic events, meet with parents, students and staff, attend governance trainings and classes (because we are all lifelong learners), and will continue to do so.
“I have seen our board go through triumphs and turbulent times. For me, this has never been about politics, and frankly, I believe culture wars and special interest groups do not have a place in the boardroom. Good governance, respectful conversations and good-faith discourse are the keys to building trust in the boardroom.
“I am honored to work with my current colleagues on the board. They are student-focused, and share a vision that includes a commitment to making OUSD a district of excellence. This election is about making sure there is stability in our district and that it stays focused on giving every student an environment where they can learn and thrive.
“It has always been my priority to stay engaged with our parents and stakeholders. I have a proven track record of service to our community, from running PTAs and serving on school and district-wide committees, to leading nonprofits, and raising over $150,000 for the American Cancer Society. I am grateful to have been able to put in over 20,000+ hours of volunteer and public service over my lifetime.
“My heart and soul run deep in this community; I would be honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving on the board for another term.”
As a PTA member, Yamasaki has received service awards from Anaheim Hills Elementary School, Canyon High School, El Rancho Charter School, and Nohl Canyon Elementary School.
She is a member of such organizations as Orange Unified Legislative Coalition, Asian Pacific Islander School Board Members Association, Orange Unified Council of PTA Executive Board, Orange County School Boards Association, California School Boards Association Council of Presidents, Public Schools Defenders Hub Advisory Board, and Canyon High School Foundation Board.
Endorsers include the Orange County Democratic Party, Women for American Values and Ethics, and Women in Leadership PAC.
Yamasaki is being challenged by Ivan Kokos, a commercial banker.
In Trustee Area 4, incumbent Sara Pelly is being challenged by Villa Park City Councilmember Crystal Miles and Armando Perez-Serrato.
In Trustee Area 5, incumbent Kris Erickson is being challenged by Chip Ahlswede, who served on Orange Unified school site councils.
In Trustee Area 7, incumbent Stephen Glass is being challenged by Jack Chang, a vice president of a software company.