Riverside County Board of Education Press Enterprise 2026 Primary Election Questionnaire
By Jordan B. Darling | jdarling@scng.com PUBLISHED: May 5, 2026 at 2:48 PM PDT
The nation has seen unprecedented immigration enforcement in the past year. What role, if any, should school districts and school boards be playing? Should they allow federal immigration officers on campus or cooperate with them? Why or why not?
Immigration enforcement actions can create fear that disrupts attendance, learning, and overall school stability in ways that local public safety efforts do not. That directly impacts public safety because students who are disengaged or absent are more vulnerable to falling behind academically and socially. Safe schools depend on trust, consistency, and a clear focus on student success.
School districts have a responsibility to ensure that every student can learn in a safe, stable, and focused environment. Schools should not be used as sites for immigration enforcement, and any interaction with federal authorities must follow established law, including requiring proper legal warrants and protecting student privacy. Keeping campuses centered on education helps maintain trust and stability for students and families.
This is separate from the important role that local law enforcement plays in maintaining campus safety. Schools should continue to partner with local public safety agencies to respond to emergencies, prevent violence, and ensure safe learning environments for students and staff. These relationships are built on trust and are focused on protecting students, not creating fear.
Voters are concerned about many issues. To you, what is the No. 1 issue that must be addressed, and how would you do so?
The No. 1 issue we must address is ensuring safe, stable learning environments for every student in Riverside County. Safety is the foundation of education because students cannot focus, grow, or succeed academically if they do not feel physically secure and supported at school. This includes campus safety, mental health, and creating a positive school climate where students are consistently present and engaged.
To address this, I will prioritize strengthening school safety systems, expanding access to mental health services, and ensuring staff are trained to respond to student needs effectively. Schools should have the resources to provide early intervention, counseling, and support services that help prevent issues before they escalate. I also support strong partnerships with families, educators, and local public safety agencies to ensure campuses remain secure and responsive to community needs.
Safe schools also require accountability and collaboration across all 23 districts in Riverside County. By working closely with school leaders and the County Office of Education, we can ensure consistent standards, responsible use of resources, and a coordinated approach to student safety. When students feel safe and supported, they are better prepared to succeed in school and beyond.
If elected, what specific, measurable benchmarks should voters use to measure whether or not you’ve been a success in the role?
Voters should measure my success by whether we are improving student outcomes and strengthening the overall stability of our schools. That includes measurable progress in attendance rates and improvements in graduation rates across Riverside County.
Another benchmark is expanding access to college and career pathways. Voters should expect to see increased participation in dual enrollment, career technical education, pre-apprenticeship programs, and higher A-G completion rates that prepare students for college and the workforce. Success means more students graduating with clear, viable options for their future.
Finally, accountability and resource management must be transparent and results-driven. That includes responsible use of public funds, stronger financial oversight, and measurable improvements in student support services such as mental health access. When we see better outcomes, stronger pathways, and students who feel safe and supported, voters will know we are delivering real results.