Sara Socheata Pol-Lim, Long Beach Unified District 5, 2026 primary election questionnaire – Press Telegram

Ahead of the June primary 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. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Sara Socheata Pol-Lim

Current job title: Independent Contractor for LA-DMH

Age: 57

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Long Beach

Campaign website or social media: spollim4schoolboard.com

What is your position on LBUSD’s current efforts to address the budget crisis, and what would you bring to the table in terms of solutions? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

My position on addressing LBUSD’s budget crisis centers on transparency, fiscal responsibility and minimizing impacts on students, staff and families. I bring firsthand experience navigating organizational financial challenges.

As a former executive director of the United Cambodian Community (UCC) beginning in 2007, I inherited a significant budget deficit. Through open communication with stakeholders, strategic fundraising and cost-saving measures, including negotiated payment plans and voluntary staffing adjustments, including myself, I stabilized the organization. Over the next eight years, UCC regained financial health and developed a strong leadership team that continues to serve the community successfully today.

This experience has prepared me to make thoughtful, balanced decisions that prioritize both financial sustainability and the well-being of those most affected.

District leaders have said layoffs, school closures and other cuts to programs may be necessary to combat the budget crisis. How would you handle making tough financial decisions, if elected? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

Making difficult financial decisions is a responsibility of a governing board member. I would handle these tough decisions with integrity and a clear understanding of the impact on students, parents and teachers. It is important to consider all perspectives to avoid harmful consequences. If elected, I would approach financial decisions thoughtfully, balancing fiscal responsibility with care for those most affected.

Declining enrollment and absenteeism continue to pose challenges for LBUSD and other school districts across the state. How do you plan to improve the district’s efforts to address these challenges? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

Educational institutions must understand the evolving social and community factors that influence student engagement. We need to prioritize the needs of students and their families while reducing unnecessary administrative barriers that limit meaningful community input and trust. If elected, I would engage with students, parents and grassroots organizations to better understand the underlying causes of declining enrollment and absenteeism.

Some parents and guardians have expressed concerns about how LBUSD fosters open communication with district stakeholders. How would you ensure the concerns of your constituents are adequately addressed? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

If elected, I would establish regular meetings with constituents for feedback to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are resolved.

What experience do you bring to the table for this role? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I bring grassroots leadership and public service experience to this role. I am grounded in a strong belief in education.

After immigrating to the U.S. in 1983 without formal schooling, I began my academic journey through ESL programs with public school and eventually earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Cal State Long Beach. As a parent of two LBUSD graduates, I am committed to ensuring all students have access to educational opportunities that support upward mobility.

My professional background includes serving as a regional program manager, executive director, project manager and community outreach coordinator, roles that strengthened my leadership, fiscal and management skills.

As an independent contractor, I worked on a curriculum project with the Orange County Department of Education and am currently working on a community project with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

In addition, I volunteer with community organizations promoting education and bilingual education. I serve on the Board of Trustees with St. Mary Medical Foundation Center, Long Beach. I believe that the combination of lived experience and professional leadership prepares me to contribute to this role.