Orange Unified School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 5
What does this office do?
- Setting the school district's budget and hiring the superintendent
- Deciding which schools open, close, or get rebuilt
- Approving curriculum, calendars, and teacher contracts
Affects: Government Efficiency, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control,
Candidates:
Nonpartisan
Chip Ahlswede is a lifelong Orange County resident and businessman who works on housing for working families and has served on school site councils. He wants the board to focus on teaching and safety, raise test scores, and be more open about spending.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Kris Erickson, an attorney for 33 years, has served on the Orange Unified board since 2018 and was board president in 2025. She wants to raise student achievement, improve facilities, communicate openly, and expand academic and career options.
Sources: ocvote.gov2