Kristina Irwin, Los Angeles Community College District Seat 2 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire – Pasadena Star News

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below.

Name: Kristina Irwin

Age: 50

Current job title: Real estate agent

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Los Angeles

Campaign website or social media: kristinairwin.com

What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

While the district is often times referred to a “junior college,” there is nothing junior about it. The life-enhancing and career preparation opportunities are vital. For that reason, the funding for students and faculty is of much concern. Programs that will prepare students for careers in an ever-evolving future must be available and provided with the best possible educational technology and staff to deliver the needed instruction and support. Funding streams via the county, state and federal sources must be expanded and be accountable for the purposes requested. Maintaining a level of accountability for funds received will open further revenue streams.

To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

The role of community college has evolved beyond what the early founders could ever imagine. It fills a vital service that no one could have imagined just 30 years ago. It has and continues to provide a portal for those who are advancing after high school, returning to education after years of absence and those who seek another path in life. For this reason, the investment of time and financial resources is not only wise, but essential in securing a better quality of life not only for the students but for their families. The ability to share ideas, beliefs and values with peers from varying walks of life and culture is a direct benefit to our society as a whole.

In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

With the communities where our nine campuses are located, housing can be a challenge, but not one that can all be addressed by building student housing on or near the campus. The funding secured via bonds for construction at our community colleges is not without limits, nor is it without the pitfalls we have observed too many times in the construction of our campus facilities, with delays, major cost overruns, and failed oversight. We can better serve our students by conducting an extensive review of housing availability with the focus on housing students, not serving some other agenda. Once complete and housing voucher pilot program can be implemented based.

What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

The privacy of our students and staff is of utmost importance. The integrity of their personal information and grades must be held to a higher standard. As with any multi-billion-dollar organization, the revenue invested in that security must be used to secure expertise and technology required to not only prevent such a breach but to lead the country in such security programs.

How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

Artificial intelligence is not only a reality of life today in education but in almost every area of our society. From law enforcement to entertainment, it is here and expanding exponentially. As an institution, we are in a unique position to learn, teach, and yes, find the areas where AI can and should be limited and managed to best suit our needs with regard to education, career enrichment, and the benefit of society as a whole.

How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

The key word is “civil” discourse. What once was a venue where ideas and values of differing positions could be shared and debated and has been a place where thinking could change and evolve due to new and different information, has now suffered greatly in that regard. The community of information and tolerance, with the goal to teach and learn the reasoning for one’s positions, has suffered greatly.

What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

I was elected to serve a two-year term on the Board of Trustees at my kids’ high school, Palisades Charter High School, and was on the board during the Palisades fires. I also serve as the Leadership Programs chair on the Kiwanis Club Board of Directors, and I’m on the General Advisory Board at Santa Monica College. Additionally, I hold a public engagement and civic leadership certificate from the Davenport Institute at Pepperdine School of Public Policy.

If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

A bear. A mama bear. With everything going on in the world, the most important thing is protecting our children.

Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

“Atomic Habits.” This is a great read because it’s practical and makes sense.